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Author Whitmire, James C., author.

Title Shoulder launched missiles (A.K.A. MANPADS) : the ominous threat to commercial aviation / by James C. "Chris" Whitmire.

Publication Info. Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama : USAF Counterproliferation Center, Air University, 2006.

Copies

Location Call No. OPAC Message Status
 Axe Federal Documents Online  D 301.26/27-2:37    ---  Available
Description 1 online resource (v, 80 pages) : illustrations (chiefly color), one map.
text txt rdacontent
computer c rdamedia
online resource cr rdacarrier
Series Counterproliferation papers. Future warfare series ; no. 37
Future warfare series (Counterproliferation papers) ; no. 37.
Note "December 2006"--Added title page.
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-80).
Access APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.
Summary The United States faces a multitude of security challenges in today's post-September 11, 2001, era. One glaring threat to the nation's economic well-being and public safety is the commercial aviation industry's vulnerability to shoulder-launched missiles, also known as MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems). This industry sustains the flow of goods and services in today's globally connected economy and is critical to the American way of life. Currently, 27 terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, have confirmed or reported possession of MANPADS. Since 1994, there have been 10 high-profile attempts to target commercial aircraft, with four being shot down. Furthermore, MANPADS fit Al Qaeda's mode of operation perfectly and are relatively easy to use, convenient to transport, widely available, inexpensive, and lethal. This capability coupled with Al Qaeda's direction from its leader, Osama bin Laden, "to kill Americans and their allies -- civilians and military," is a potentially catastrophic combination. With the means and motive to inflict harm in place, and its propensity to favor economic, symbolic, and mass casualty targets, all that remains is opportunity. It is only a matter of time before Al Qaeda penetrates a seam and strikes a United States carrier at home or abroad. Time is of the essence and a scenario that could exceed the economic impact of 9/11 lies in the balance. This paper reviews the histories of MANPADS use by non-state groups and MANPADS seizures; describes the technical aspects of various MANPAD systems; examines the worldwide proliferation of MANPAD systems among non-state groups; explores the probable economic and psycho-social repercussions of a MANPADS attack on a commercial airliner; and provides a strategy template that combines offensive operations, counterproliferation, and interdiction activities abroad while increasing security, countermeasures, vulnerability reduction, and risk management measures at home.
Note Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (AU, viewed December 2, 2020).
Subject Surface-to-air missiles.
Aeronautics, Commercial -- Security measures.
Terrorism -- United States -- Prevention.
Antiaircraft artillery.
Terrorists.
Commercial aircraft.
Threats.
Vulnerability.
Surface to air missiles.
Homeland security.
Shoulder launched weapons.
United states government.
Commercial aviation.
Lethality.
Terrorism.
Risk management.
Reaction(psychology)
Public safety.
Countermeasures.
Prevention.
Protection.
Availability.
Attack.
Interdiction.
Strategy.
Economic impact.
Aeronautics, Commercial -- Security measures. (OCoLC)fst00798526
Antiaircraft artillery. (OCoLC)fst00810383
Surface-to-air missiles. (OCoLC)fst01139252
Terrorism -- Prevention. (OCoLC)fst01148123
United States. (OCoLC)fst01204155
Commercial and General Aviation.
Government and Political Science.
Civil Defense.
Unconventional Warfare.
Surface-launched Guided Missiles.
Indexed Term MANPADS(MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS)
AL QAEDA
AL QAIDA
ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
VULNERABILITY REDUCTION
RISK REDUCTION
COUNTERPROLIFERATION
WEAPONS PROLIFERATION
Added Author USAF Counterproliferation Center, issuing body.
Added Title Shoulder launched missiles (A.K.A. MAN Portable Air Defense Systems)
Ominous threat to commercial aviation
Standard No. DTICE ADA461534
Gpo Item No. 0422-K-05 (online)
Sudoc No. D 301.26/27-2:37

 
    
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