Article

2003-09-11 International

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Posted by Yosemite Sam 2003-09-11 12:30:08 PM|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Very Cool, This is what Dick Gephardt calls a miserable failure.

Posted by Lucky 2003-9-11 12:59:41 PM|| 2003-9-11 12:59:41 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 What really caught my imagination was the idea floated about space-based tungsten rods that would be satellite-guided and would be able to destroy hardened underground bunkers. Now THAT would be a strike out of a clear blue sky, and with probably no warning whatsoever.

Posted by Bomb-a-rama 2003-9-11 1:07:42 PM|| 2003-9-11 1:07:42 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Bomb-a-rama---I like the tungsten rods also. I can see it now:

We have a load of Wolfram Bombs (W-bombs) aimed at your bunker. Surrender now or become a TIG weld!

Posted by Alaska Paul 2003-9-11 1:27:48 PM|| 2003-9-11 1:27:48 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 More proof that 19 hijackers really can have a major influence on world events, just not in the way they intended.

"...or become a TIG weld!" -- Thanks, AP, my first laugh of the day. But why waste good tungsten -- we already have ballistic nukes, and they'll handle a 40 sq. mile "tribal area" better than any tungsten rods.

Posted by Tom 2003-9-11 1:46:21 PM|| 2003-9-11 1:46:21 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 What's a TIG weld?

Posted by Katz 2003-9-11 1:48:49 PM|| 2003-9-11 1:48:49 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 From TIG Welding

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is frequently referred to as TIG welding. TIG welding is a commonly used high quality welding process. TIG welding has become a popular choice of welding processes when high quality, precision welding is required.

In TIG welding an arc is formed between a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and the metal being welded. Gas is fed through the torch to shield the electrode and molten weld pool. If filler wire is used, it is added to the weld pool separately.

Posted by CrazyFool 2003-9-11 2:04:44 PM|| 2003-9-11 2:04:44 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 "space-based tungsten rods that would be satellite-guided and would be able to destroy hardened underground bunkers"

Everything old is new again, Project Thor:
THOR: Thor Odinson was the Norse God of Thunder. One of his missions was vengeance against those who harmed the Aesir, as well as recovery of any property stolen from them. The first practical Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) deployed by the United States was code named "Thor". That missile has long been retired from the inventory. In 1964 Dr. Jerry Pournelle described a potential weapons system concept consisting of a guided orbiting element with terminal guidance. In 1975 he published a new and more complete description of the system that could have been deployed in the mid-1980's. The completion of the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite system eliminated one of the largest expense requirements for deploying Thor. The basic weapon system consists of an orbiting element some 20 to 40 feet long. It requires a GPS receiver to locate itself; a means of taking it out of orbit; an atmospheric guidance system, such as a means of changing its center of gravity (moving weights, small fins, etc.), and a communication system to give it a target and activate the system. No warhead is wanted or needed. Thor will impact a target area at about 12,000 feet per second; that is sufficient kinetic energy to destroy most hard targets, with minimum collateral damage and of course no fall-out. Achievable accuracy has been estimated at ten to twenty feet CEP.

And yes, it's that Jerry Pournelle.

Posted by Steve 2003-9-11 2:18:15 PM|| 2003-9-11 2:18:15 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 Dreamland"Nelis Airforce Base,Nevada.

Posted by raptor 2003-9-11 2:31:49 PM|| 2003-9-11 2:31:49 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 Area 51 freaks: Leave the Groom Lake chaps alone to do their work and GTFOOTW! ;)

Posted by Alaska Paul 2003-9-11 2:50:46 PM|| 2003-9-11 2:50:46 PM|| Front Page Top

#10 Maybe that's why Bush backed out of that missle treaty? I know there was one that prohibited us or the Soviets from using space-based weaponry.

Posted by Charles 2003-9-11 3:18:22 PM|| 2003-9-11 3:18:22 PM|| Front Page Top

#11 "Footfall" had some more information about such things as "flying crowbars" and other such instruments of space-based warfare. The ending was a bit far-fetched, but the overall read was excellent. I always like "hard-science" fiction because it DOES have that level of detail. We have the capacity today to put most of the "fiction" in science fiction into the trash bin. All we need is the national resolve.

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-9-11 3:43:32 PM|| [http://users.codenet.net/mweather/default.htm] 2003-9-11 3:43:32 PM|| Front Page Top

#12 Alaska Paul I don't think it is really a standard welding procedure but TAG (A for active) would better describe the beast.

Dorf

Posted by Anonymous 2003-9-11 8:52:39 PM|| 2003-9-11 8:52:39 PM|| Front Page Top

18:29 Bulldog
21:26 Aris Katsaris
12:26 raptor
12:23 raptor
05:37 Bulldog
03:01 Anonymous
02:08 Anonymous
00:48 Baba Yaga
00:34 Rafael
00:19 Not Mike Moore
00:05 Aris Katsaris
23:59 Aris Katsaris
23:58 Bomb-a-rama
23:27 Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire
22:52 Charles
22:43 Charles
22:38 Charles
21:49 Scooter McGruder
21:44 Frank G
21:43 True German Ally
21:33 True German Ally
21:21 Charles
20:54 Alaska Paul
20:52 Anonymous