[The Red Menace]

The cost of laser (and similar directed energy systems) is currently high because it is underdeveloped. Hence it is unlikely to remain expensive. Especially once you factor in saving from mass production, market dynamics and relative gains in national wealth.

Mass production will not help if the resources to make the laser are rare. The most powerful of lasers are powered by noble gases, which are hard to come by on Earth.

The passengers will be adversely affected by the high speeds.

If the acceleration is slow then the g-forces would be low and not affect passengers. Also, G-Suits help fighter pilots cope with the high G's of dogfights so why can't we issue the passengers G-Suits?

The plane will have to slow down to drop its cargo... which is allegedly a problem when using it to fight.

Why?

- Increased space needed for passengers will make the plane bigger, and probably ruin the speed advantage.
- Increased weight will shorten flight range. So no delivering troops anywhere in the world.

The zero gravity of space will negate the weight and size of the plane.

[Smilin' Dave]

Mass production will not help if the resources to make the laser are rare. The most powerful of lasers are powered by noble gases, which are hard to come by on Earth.

Presupposing that our resource base in the future (I don't remember you suggesting any limit) is still limited to earth. Presupposing that we are still using the exact same technology (you might remember I said something about other directed energy weapons...).

In other words you are still making the same basic mistake.

If the acceleration is slow then the g-forces would be low and not affect passengers.

If you slow down to compensate, you defeat the advantage of speed. The people who brought you concorde found this out, so did a number of cities that played with high speed trains. Including Melbourne.

If the acceleration is slow then the g-forces would be low and not affect passengers. Also, G-Suits help fighter pilots cope with the high G's of dogfights so why can't we issue the passengers G-Suits?

Relative position in the plane would reduce some of the advantage of the g-suit. Practicalities of troops having to wear g-suits into a hostile situation once they land also has to be considered.

Why?

Aircraft made from advanced alloys can go really fast and not break. People can't.

Said plane would also have to slow down to land too... because it will still break if it his the dirt really fast.

The zero gravity of space will negate the weight and size of the plane.

By your logic space travel is too expensive to be viable, ever

The added requirement of exiting earth's gravitational pull would also tend to contradict your idea for quick deployment.

The plane will at some stage have to re-enter orbit, at which point size and weight become a factor again.

You know, I might not know what I'm talking about half the time... but you clearly have no idea all the time.

[troglodyte]

If the acceleration is slow then the g-forces would be low and not affect passengers. Also, G-Suits help fighter pilots cope with the high G's of dogfights so why can't we issue the passengers G-Suits?

Accelerating at 1g reaches Mach 10 in less than 2 minutes.