Dear Mr. Pais,

 

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments concerning your

recent article in Homeland Defense Journal.  I assure you I have no problems

with accepting new ideas, I just have problems accepting falsehoods.

We both agree that civil airliners are potentially vulnerable targets.  We

disagree on the best methods to defend against attack.  Terrorists will

exploit security shortfalls to use a "low tech" attack before resorting to a

high tech attack.  Directed Infrared Counter Measures will not stop

terrorists with box cutters (such as during 9-11) nor will it defeat RPG's

deployed at an airports perimeter.

Our biggest disagreement is concerning the use of high-power model rockets.

Model rockets are unguided and would not make effective weapons.  Adding

guidance systems, strengthening the airframe to withstand the loads,

developing a warhead and proximity detonation system and motors to propel it

would be no easy chore.  With the black market full of MANPADS why would

anyone go through the R&D to build a MANPAD from scratch?

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Thomas Rau