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Old 01-12-2008, 14:17 PM   #20 (permalink)
ArmchairGeneral
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Originally Posted by Tin Man View Post
The concept would have been sound 20 years ago, to fly a low observable missile at medium alts as long as it flew a meandering flight path around defensive radars, much like even the B-2 still does today. The clue may be in the cancellation of the `129. The USAF doesn`t like to do away with very capable systems.
Although I concede there may have been other considerations David, such as the effectiveness of the missile or monetary issues. Maybe we will find out in 30 years!
I have a feeling it has a lot to do with the end of the Cold War reduction in nuclear forces, like the decommissioning of the Peacekeeper and some of the Ohios. Its primary mission is just not as prominent as it once was.

Quote:
Any missile, with IR diffusing or not will have a detectable IR or UV signature, especially when you consider that IR detection systems can discern a temperature change of less than one degree.....
How are missiles different from aircraft in this regard?
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