On 20/05/2026 02:51, Kurt Feltenberger - kurt at daeargi.cymru (via tml
list) wrote:
> Hypothetical question…
>
> Could a meson gun deep site be built with a “dial a yield” to have a blast size
> that of a soccer/foot ball or basketball while retaining the ability to hit any
> location on the planet?  Targeting would be by a stick/rof like device that
> would provide a fire control solution based on what it’s pointed at and the
> settings entered on the device.
>
> I’m knocking around an idea for a world ruled by an evil overlord (who read the
> rules and has adequate safeguards in place) who’s big claim to fame is the
> ability to point into a crowd and say, “You!  With the teal shirt on!  I sent a
> decree that bad things would happen if I ever saw another teal shirt!” And then
> activate the control and deliver a meson blast to Cliff that would make Ditzie
> proud.
I think the gun could do that. The question is more one of precision of
targeting. Battlefield meson guns are good for 'minute of tank' at a few
thousand kilometres, and anti-ship ones small spaceships at some tens of
thousands of kilometres. The latter suggests 'maybe' a person at
planetary ranges, but I wouldn't want to be beside them (and not just
because cleaning grue out of clothes is a pain).

--

Rupert Boleyn <xxxxxx@gmail.com>