"Science Fiction?" "Several Hundred Pounds?"
Boy, glad we have so many "experts" around here.
Mayhaps you should go back and check my post #58?
And while you are at it, here are a few more sites to check out:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/russia/suitcase/comments.html
http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/News/DoSuitcaseNukesExist.html
http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/week/040213.htm
Yes, this may be nothing but "science fiction;" just one big "Global Conspiracy of Lies." Then on the other hand . . . . .
BTW, here are the stats on the 150:
Weight
empty : 501kg (1,100lb)
max : 757kg (1,670lb)
That leaves 570 lbs.
If one considers (depending on where it took of from) that 5 Gal of avgas (approx 30 lbs) would probably get it (@ 100 mph and a rate of fuel of approx 6/gal/hr) some 90 miles. And if you add the rate of a small person (approx 150 lbs) that leaves room (570 lbs - 180 lbs) for a 390 lb bomb--and that does not even take into account, stripping the plane.
VERY possible to get 500 lbs of high explosives on board--even if one discounts all other scenarios: biological, nuclear, dirty bomb.
Glad you and so many are nonchalant about this!
No one's nonchalant. I just think the action taken here, F16s and all, ended up being the exact right call.