The primary characteristic of the Dean system is that it is a self-contained propulsion system not requiring the loss of mass.
In part from the Popular Science Magazine, Richard Dempewoiff, 1958, "Engine With Built In Wings". "Dean discovered he could develop tremendous one-directional thrust." Doing it sequentially would provide steady propulsion like no other. There would be no reaction against the earth or water or air. It would be a completely sustainable force in any direction it was pointed. It has earthly applications that were imponderable. However after receiving a mathematical report form a major university and its celebrated mathematician, it now had serious space applications also.
In part; the problem was what would happen to a 3000 thousand Ib. Load if it were attached to a 23hp. Dean Drive Unit developing 2,900 rev/min.; assuming no energy losses to friction? It would put that 30001b vehicle into zero gravity.
All other values remaining the same but increasing the hp to 150, and rpm to 4,600 we would have the minimum instantaneous vertical acceleration of that 3000 Ib vehicle to 49ft/sec. (It is a self contained propulsion generator).
Yeah, Right.
http://www.deanspacedrive.org/dean_drive.html