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From: agates@mainz-emh2.army.mil (Allen Gates)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Patriot
Message-ID: <1991Apr11.033353.4075@amd.com>
Date: 10 Apr 91 17:16:00 GMT
Sender: military@amd.com
Organization: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Lines: 18
Approved: military@amd.com


From: Allen Gates <agates@mainz-emh2.army.mil>


> Scott@xcf.berkeley.edu
> "I saw a lot of Patriots explode on launch..."

It has been ten years since I designed the canister/launcher production 
facility for MM in Baltimore, but if I remember correctly the end covers 
are removed at ignition by pressure built up within the container. Explode?
 
As an old Ind Engr I vaguely remember that to get a sucker that matches the
weight of a Patriot moving in excess of MACH 1 that close to the ground you
require a lot of force.  Controlled explosion maybe...plus sonic boom...loud.

I do know a launch does get your attention.

Al Gates