[WestPacSailor]

They could have just as easily launched from the boat.

True, and they don't even have to get that close. A large passenger jet on takeoff leaves behind it a HUGE heat signature and, because it is moving relatively slowly at a low altitude, is an easy target for a MANPAD.

However, before you all go cancelling your plane tickets, remember that the missile will home in on the engine, NOT the passenger cabin. Almost all airliners today are designed to be able to fly and land safely even with on engine completely missing from the wing.

It would make spectacular news footage, but the likelyhood of a MANPAD actuall bringing a 747 DOWN is pretty slim.

[JustAnAmerican]

"It would make spectacular news footage, but the likelyhood of a MANPAD actuall bringing a 747 DOWN is pretty slim."

I don't know about you, but I would not want to be on one of those "Pretty Slim" 747's.Good ole Murphy has a habit of showing himself.

[Blueflag]

Why do you think they wouldn't be smart enough to fire two or three?

These guys are fanatics, but not stupid.

The offense always has the advantage over the defense. That's why removing the source of the problem is the resolution.

[Salgak]

Yes, and no. A MANPAD **would** home in on an engine, but generally generate a "donut" shaped explosion, due to the shaping of the charge. Generally, enough to rupture the wing, and more importantly, the wing fuel tanks.

Maybe I'm being pessimistic, but I'd PLAN on a MANPAD being able to down a jetliner, and plan security accordingly. . .

[cuz_it_aint_their_money]

Almost all airliners today are designed to be able to fly and land safely even with on engine completely missing from the wing.

That may be, however, can the airliner fly and land safely with an entire wing missing?
Doubt it.
And it would just be my kind of luck that the SAM would take out not only the engine but the wing as well.

[snippy_about_it]

...before you all go cancelling your plane tickets...

Thanks. I recently flew for the first time in 9 years and was scared silly. I kept trying to think logically.

I'm getting ready to fly again soon and can use all the intellegent reasoning I can get to stay calm.

[BlackbirdSST]

It would make spectacular news footage, but the likelyhood of a MANPAD actuall bringing a 747 DOWN is pretty slim.

Depend's on how much of the wing it takes with it now doesn't it? Pretty slim? You go fly, I'll watch from the ground! Blackbird.

[Centurion2000]

It would make spectacular news footage, but the likelyhood of a MANPAD actuall bringing a 747 DOWN is pretty slim.

At that range (on the tarmac) they could fire 2-3 missiles and have a guy with a MAG58 or RPK hosing down the plane wholesale as it went by.