50 years on...

D_Brasted · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:29

Hi,

Once again I'd like to request your opinions as part of my research for a story I'm writing...

My story is a sequel to a short sci-fi story I wrote a while back, the sequel being set 50-60 years later. I'm trying to get an idea of the technological "gap" between the two - i.e. how advanced the technology should be in the sequel - and thus would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the kind of technology we might see 50-60 years on from today. The rough equivalent would be, for example, the difference between a Spitfire and the F-22 - except that technological progress has so far followed an exponential climb, which is why I'm looking for another "guide" so I can project the technological state on from my earlier story.

My main concern is the military arena - i.e. the air/land/sea weapon platforms, a soldier's personal weaponry/equipment, etc - but also general day-to-day stuff too e.g. the Internet, transport systems, etc.

Thanks. Please note that by replying in this thread you are giving me permission to use and/or adapt any ideas you might suggest.

Regards, Dominic

Biohazard · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:30

well planes are going to be Unmanned vehicles.

Indy500 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:32

Laser\rail weapons, space travel\combat, powered armour suits that self-repair..that kind of stuff.

zetec452 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:33

Technology will be so advanced it will kill all humans.

Biohazard · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:33

can we read your first story?

Andr3w · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:34

self firing missiles?

loopstah · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:35

To be honest I can't see there being much difference between now and now +50.
Things might get smaller and technology will be intergrated into more central units to do what a number of things do today like the way mobiles have gone or maybe computers running peoples houses. Anything to make life easier for your average joe.

I can't see there being any big discoveries with practical use in the next 50 years except for Nuclear Fusion plants or something.

Indy500 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:36

JonRohan said:
Technology will be so advanced it will kill all humans.

I sense a repressive imperialist regime coming on...

SiriusB · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:40

http://www.google.com/search?q=future weapons combat

Lots of links there. Should give you some ideas.

SiriusB

Biohazard · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:41

SiriusB said:
http://www.google.com/search?q=future weapons combat

Lots of links there. Should give you some ideas.

SiriusB

hey thats cheating!!

leezer3 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:44

D_Brasted said:
Hi,

Once again I'd like to request your opinions as part of my research for a story I'm writing...

My story is a sequel to a short sci-fi story I wrote a while back, the sequel being set 50-60 years later. I'm trying to get an idea of the technological "gap" between the two - i.e. how advanced the technology should be in the sequel - and thus would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the kind of technology we might see 50-60 years on from today. The rough equivalent would be, for example, the difference between a Spitfire and the F-22 - except that technological progress has so far followed an exponential climb, which is why I'm looking for another "guide" so I can project the technological state on from my earlier story.

My main concern is the military arena - i.e. the air/land/sea weapon platforms, a soldier's personal weaponry/equipment, etc - but also general day-to-day stuff too e.g. the Internet, transport systems, etc.

Thanks. Please note that by replying in this thread you are giving me permission to use and/or adapt any ideas you might suggest.

Regards, Dominic

Ah

Sci-fi is one of my favourite types of fiction. I also dabble myself

Everything really depends on what sort of technological basis/ theory you used in the first story. Just to give an example, the worlds supply of oil is currently running out- My leanings are towards the apocalyptic end of the scale on this, so the aftermath of the fall so to speak. However, this clearly isn't going to work if a replacement power source has been found.

Internet wise, I've no idea if you've read Tad Williams' Otherland series- This is probably the best idea on where the internet is going. (IE. Almost a full 3D virtual world)- If you haven't, READ IT!

Also, to my mind the idea of an exponential climb in technological progress is misguided at the least- There isn't actually much basic difference between the Spitfire & the F22. As a rule though, technological progress tends to stagnate the older a technology is- Going back to the planes example, a much greater difference can be seen between no flight at all & the first flights, rather than two planes, which are still based upon the same principles.

Warfare wise, you need to consider the fact that future wars are going to be concentrated more & more on natural resources- We're seeing the beginnings of this in the Middle East ATM, where world powers feel the need to act to preserve thier supplies.
You also need to consider the fact that warfare is becoming less & less focused on the induvidual soldier & more on automation etc- Just as an example, a single one of the major WWI battles killled more people than are in many countries armiesn today.

I could go on for hours, but most of this is useless without your original story.

-Leezer-

D_Brasted · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:46

Biohazard said:
can we read your first story?

Sure - go here. Do please post a review on the site if you have any comments - you don't have to be a member. It's called "Baptism of Fire" - it's largely based on a dream I had, so it's not brilliantly consistent/reasonable in everything, but I like the basic premise of my "world" so I'm writing a sequel for it (the prologue's already on the site). Hopefully I'll be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles.

Thanks for all the replies, the more the merrier.

teaboy5 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:46

I cant see many planes in the air in 50 years time same goes for cars.

SiriusB · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:48

Biohazard said:
hey thats cheating!!

I could sit here all night giving examples of future gadgets and weapons etc. Far easier to get the ole t'internet to do it for me

SiriusB

Mr Joshua · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:48

I'd guess (or hope) there'll be some break through alternatives to fossil fuels to power our homes/cars.

loopstah · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:49

D_Brasted said:
Sure - go here. Do please post a review on the site if you have any comments - you don't have to be a member. It's called "Baptism of Fire" - it's largely based on a dream I had, so it's not brilliantly consistent/reasonable in everything, but I like the basic premise of my "world" so I'm writing a sequel for it (the prologue's already on the site). Hopefully I'll be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles.

Thanks for all the replies, the more the merrier.

Maybe the war is so devastating that technology goes back a few years or stagnates at it's current level since all the scientists and engineers are developing weapon systems instead of useful items.

D_Brasted · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:50

teaboy5 said:
I cant see many planes in the air in 50 years time same goes for cars.

Why is that? What would you propose as an alternative?

SiriusB · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:54

D_Brasted said:
Why is that? What would you propose as an alternative?

Spacehoppers!

I think there will still be aeroplanes in the sky in 50 years time, among other newer flying contraptions.

As for power, I reckon Fusion Reactors will be around in 50 years time

SiriusB

Big Spender · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:56

D_Brasted said:
Why is that? What would you propose as an alternative?

teleportation of course!

teaboy5 · 29 Jul 2006 at 22:56

D_Brasted said:
Why is that? What would you propose as an alternative?

Well the way the oil issue is going i cant see the kinds of cars and planes you see to-day being about much longer.. As for an alternative i really cant see any kind of fuel that will replace the amount of energy oil gives us. People can bang on about bio fuels and the likes but they will never replace oil not in a million years.