Rocket launcher only 'chip' nuclear reactor

news.com.au ^ | 5th January 2007 | Paul Carter

[naturalman1975]

THE type of rockets believed stolen from the Australian Defence Force would only chip away at a target like Sydney's Lucas Heights nuclear reactor, a security expert said today. NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the reactor in southern Sydney was one of a number of sites believed to have been considered a target by those in possession of seven missing rocket launchers.

The rocket launchers are the type designed to be fired from the shoulder by infantry. They have enough punch to destroy a car, or even a tank, but not a nuclear reactor.

Security consultant Peter Collins said the easy-to-use single-use rockets could destroy a car, or if fired into a packed train or bus, would cause a blast and shrapnel spray capable of killing people within a five metre radius.

But the former navy intelligence officer said the outdated rocket, which has a range of 220m and is best used on stationary objects, would have almost no effect on a building like the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.

"It would chip away the exterior but the chance of it penetrating the reactor area of the site would be zero,'' Mr Collins said.

[Nitro]

Inches of armor are not like feet of re-inforced hydraulic concrete.

Armor will fail.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

I guess we should be lucky most terrorists aren't all that bright.

[Lurker]

What makes them think a commercial reactor is the intended target?

One could wreak lots of havoc with a couple of these weapons if one were so inclined.

L

[naturalman1975]

The alleged terrorist group involved is known to have been interested in the Lucas Heights reactor as one of their potential targets. Considerable evidence of their interest in that site has been discovered.

[Rb ver. 2.0]

What about a direct assault on the facility with the goal of obtaining access to the reactor room or control room? Surely these rockets would be a force multiplier when facing plant security?