Battlestar Galactica II (No Joke)

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:
Well, if the thrust was not coming out of the back of the Viper that explanation might make some sense...

I guess 'realistic' space physics would be too boring for 'mass entertainment media', so we're doomed to stupid fantasy physics in any SciFi shows or movies...

No, you missed my point. What I am saying is that BG is more realistic than you are giving it credit for. I think you are misunderstanding the physics involved in moving about in zero G. The thrust, the majority of it anyway, would be coming out the back, otherwise you wouldn't be going forward. You would also apply side thrust, either by jets on the side of the nose, or by angling some of the thrust coming out the back, to turn the ship.

But however you turn it, your course is not going to change in sharp anlges, it's going to curve.

Banking and other orinetation changes will not have the effect they do on an aircraft, because there are no lift generating surfaces. But they will serve other purposes. Bringing weapons to bear, keeping the pilot in his seat and in control, etc.

Geo