orangeninja
Member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2003
- Messages
- 3,117
CNN is running a .50 cal as the “PERFECT” terror weapon review right now. One of the things they show as it’s possible use is shooting down an airliner.
Lets examine the hard facts:
A Boeing 727, which is used in their demonstration; has a cruising speed of 570-605 MPH. It cruises at 30,000 to 40,000 feet. There are 5280 ft. in a mile. Thus to shoot down an airborne cruising airliner, or even “CRIPPLE” it as CNN says is possible, the would be terrorist has to:
Fire a “hit” at a target approximately 5.68 to 7.58 miles away and the target is traveling at 570 to 605 MPH.
They also pointed out that you could hit the plane at the airport either landing or taking off or as it taxied or sat…to which I say, “so what?” The cabin will not loose pressure as it would at 30,000 feet and all the pilot has to do is swing the plane around or bring it back down. The likelihood of a 727 being “shot down” even within a 1000 feet of being near the plane is probably hovering at around a 0%. As for the chances of a dumb ass hauling around a 4 to 6 foot long rifle that holds 1 to 5 rounds and avoiding detection by police, surveillance cameras and security, probably greater than 1%.
To be quite honest it would be easier for a terrorist to build a bomb using fertilizer and diesel fuel…so I guess we should outlaw gas and cow ????? too.
Just the facts Mama.
Alduro…………out.
Lets examine the hard facts:
A Boeing 727, which is used in their demonstration; has a cruising speed of 570-605 MPH. It cruises at 30,000 to 40,000 feet. There are 5280 ft. in a mile. Thus to shoot down an airborne cruising airliner, or even “CRIPPLE” it as CNN says is possible, the would be terrorist has to:
Fire a “hit” at a target approximately 5.68 to 7.58 miles away and the target is traveling at 570 to 605 MPH.
They also pointed out that you could hit the plane at the airport either landing or taking off or as it taxied or sat…to which I say, “so what?” The cabin will not loose pressure as it would at 30,000 feet and all the pilot has to do is swing the plane around or bring it back down. The likelihood of a 727 being “shot down” even within a 1000 feet of being near the plane is probably hovering at around a 0%. As for the chances of a dumb ass hauling around a 4 to 6 foot long rifle that holds 1 to 5 rounds and avoiding detection by police, surveillance cameras and security, probably greater than 1%.
To be quite honest it would be easier for a terrorist to build a bomb using fertilizer and diesel fuel…so I guess we should outlaw gas and cow ????? too.
Just the facts Mama.
Alduro…………out.