The Patriot system has a 7.4 foot long missile powered by a single stage
solid propellant rocket motor that runs at mach 3 speeds.The missile itself
weighs 2200 pounds and its range is 43 miles. The Patriot is armed with a
200 pound high-explosive warhead detonated by a proximity fuse that causes
shrapnell to destroy the intended target. Each Patriot missile system has
eight m-901 storage/transportation containers that serve as launchers, and
every launcher contains four missiles. The launchers are hooked to an m-860
trailer. The system possesses an MSQ-104 engagement control station, which
is mounted on an M-818 tractor. The Track Via Missile guidance system is the
basis of the overall system.

The system is built around radar and fast computers.The missile is launched
and guided to the target through three phases. First, the missiles guidance
system turns the Patriot toward the incoming missile as that missile flies
into the Patriot's radar beam. Then the Patriot's computer guides the
missile toward the incoming Scud missile. Finally, the Patriot Missile's
internal radar receiver guides it toward the interception of the incoming
missile. (Boyne, Walter Colonel U.S.A.F. (Ret) Gulf War-A comprehensive
guide to people, places and weapons Signet 1991)

I believe the Patriot they refer to is this puppy here

I believe the original "Patriot" missle was done in the 70's wasn't it? Was
it really shoulder fired? Wow must have been a heck of alot smaller than the
modern Patriot?



Patrick

student SPL

aircraft structural mech



"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 15 Jul 2005 10:37:12 -0500, Mike Weller wrote in
1121437780.ac75d9e53f97f2fff4939e955b76e1dc@onlyn ews::

On Fri, 15 Jul 2005 14:17:46 GMT, Larry Dighera
wrote:


Airmens' Freedoms Threatened by Harsh Congressional Proposals

Boyer added. "And
when you think about it, with F-16s and Patriot missile batteries
stationed around the area that are ready to inflict the ultimate
penalty on an errant pilot, what more deterrent could and should
there be?

There is not a PATRIOT missile anywhere near that area.

Ask me how I know that PATRIOT is an acronym! My wife invented it
and I have worked on PATRIOT since 1977.

JOVIAL is the password.

Mike Weller



Right. As I recall, they were shoulder fired.