Saw this today. You might all be interested.

David.
----- Original Message -----
From:
<To: <larryniven-l@...>
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 3:32 AM
Subject: [Larryniven-l] USAF Hyperdrive?


> Any thoughts on this one?
>
> http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=0110000QGNPI
>
> Welcome to Mars: Journey Time Three Hours
> Sci-Tech-Today
> January 5, 2006 8:18AM
>
> An extraordinary "hyperspace" engine that could make interstellar space
> travel a reality by flying into other dimensions is being investigated by
> the United States government.
>
> The hypothetical device, which has been outlined in principle but is based
> on a controversial theory about the fabric of the universe, could
> potentially allow a spacecraft to travel to Mars in three hours and
> journey to a star 11 light years away in just 80 days, according to a
> report in today's New Scientist magazine.
>
> The theoretical engine works by creating an intense magnetic field that,
> according to ideas first developed by the late scientist Burkhard Heim in
> the 1950s, would produce a gravitational field and result in thrust for a
> spacecraft.
>
> Also, if a large enough magnetic field was created, the craft would slip
> into a different dimension, where the speed of light is faster, allowing
> incredible speeds to be reached. Switching off the magnetic field would
> result in the engine reappearing in our current dimension.
>
> The US air force has expressed an interest in the idea and scientists
> working for the American Department of Energy -- which has a device known
> as the Z Machine that could generate the kind of magnetic fields required
> to drive the engine -- say they may carry out a test if the theory
> withstands further scrutiny.
>
> ...it goes on a bit from there.
>
> Happy New Year (*not* April Fool)
> Bill D
>
>
>