🚀 go-pugleaf

> Missiles like the Titans make poor ICBMs because they must sit fueled and
> launch-ready for years at a time. The explosion of a Titan in Arkansas
> a few years back was caused by a technician dropping a socket wrench that
> punctured the Titan's tanks, resulting in a propellant leak.  It is likely
> that the explosion and eventual sinking of the Soviet submarine off Bermuda
> a few weeks ago had a similar cause.  It is interesting to note that the
> majority of Soviet missiles are liquid fueled, unlike American missiles
> which are (except for the Titans) now all solid fueled. (This has interesting
> implications when comparing the two forces, especially when strategic
> defenses are involved, but I digress...)
> 
> Phil

Please digress further!  I, for one, would be very interested in a comparison
of American and Soviet missiles.   Are liquid fueled or solid fueled boosters
more easily "targeted" during boost phase?  As I understand it liquid fueled
has more lift capability.  Does that imply a hotter plume?  Please, digress!

				Jeff McQuinn just VAXing around