[tcrlaf]

“The BUK has a tracking system that can acquire aircraft at a distance of max 42km.”

Given the acquisition, than travel time to the target,plus the speed of the aircraft, course, distance from the laubcher, etc., that make the engagement window VERY SMALL....

IMUI, that means an independent operator making a split-second decision to fire.

[1rudeboy]

In between vodka shots, most likely.

[brothers4thID]

That is my current conclusion as well. After listening to the audio intercepts and learning of the air actions of the previous few days, I am currently working the theory that rebel militia, barely trained on the system, ignored radar squawks from the civilian airliner or didn't know how to properly read the system. They saw a large radar return, assumed it was an Ukrainian transport or maybe even an AWACS platform (not sure the Ukrainians even have those in theatre) and gave the command to fire.

They thought they bagged a military transport. You can imagine the Russian handler's response: “You IDIOT!”

Also, I would like to apologize if my cold use of jargon has in any way increased the pain of those who lost loved ones today. 298 people died needlessly today and that is a “bottom line” that we should not lose sight of.

[caww]

....”an independent operator making a split-second decision to fire”......

Looks more and more like that’s a strong possibility.....still it’s concerning there were even any flights crossing the area.