Engines,
Thanks for the reply. 600ft is a little long for a SHAR at Max AUW - but I would buy 500ft, and you will recall min deck run for both types was 200ft to allow RPM to be above 100% at ramp exit.
I do of course realise that the end speed calculation is a little complex. Having done it on paper 'once or twice'!
As regards blast. Yes, we could 'op launch' but I remain totally and utterly unconvinced that it was ever a great idea for Aim-9 and PW heads. I suspect LO coatings, EOTS lenses and DAS transparencies may be the same.
Interesting point about the weight distribution - that certainly hadn't occurred to me.
Thanks again.
Orca.