Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!newstop!sun!amdcad!amdcad!military
From: DWN102@psuvm.psu.edu
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Pegasus
Message-ID: <1991Apr4.042248.12320@amd.com>
Date: 1 Apr 91 01:15:10 GMT
References: <1991Mar30.020340.27985@amd.com>
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From: DWN102@psuvm.psu.edu

In article <1991Mar30.020340.27985@amd.com>, kinney@wku.edu (Mark Kinney) says:
>        1) The Air Force could lauch a new Keyhole so long as they have a
>Pegasus, they can launch it almost *anywhere*, and whenever they want it.

   I don't think the Pegasus is capable of launching large loads into space.
The last I heard small satellites were all it can launch.  The KH-11/12 sate-
llites are reported to be upwards of 20tons and the size of a schoolbus.  The
only thing vehicles currently capable of putting these into orbit are the Titan
IV and the Space Shuttle.  The new heavy lift rocket currently being designed
by NASA to supplement the shuttle should also be able to handle the Keyholes.

>        2) Why limit it to satellites. Weapon potential is obvious from the
>fact that ICBM's have been launched from aircraft.

   Though the MX was tested from a C-5A I believe, why would you want to do
this?  In addition to buying several hundred ICBM's you would also have to
buy and maintain quite a few aircraft to carry these missiles.  Also would
these planes be able to launch in all types of weather?  I think it would be
alot cheaper to plant the ICBM's in the ground.

David Bancroft
dwn102@psuvm.psu.edu