"Cub Driver" wrote in message
...
Was that in reference to a stray bullet causing the decompression?
If so, I'd have to agree that he's full of it.
Yes, just so. He agreed that the sky marshal would have frangible
bullets, but argued that the terrorist would not. That would lead to a
bullet through the airplane (he didn't specify window, which I
understand to be a problem) followed by explosive decompression "and
all that that entails."
all the best -- Dan Ford
The comments below are applicable to modern commercial Pax A/C. Anyone
familiar with the structure of an A/C will immediately ROFL at the idea of a
9mm bullet penetrating the external skin if fired from inside the cabin.
It would take a substantially more powerful weapon than a 9mm to cause a
"Window Failure", even then impact would have to be near 90 degrees because
of their "Plug design, plus they are thicker in the center than the edge
This curvature is on the inside.
The same applies to a bullet exiting through the A/C skin. Consider between
what is seen as the interior cabin wall & the "External Skin" of the A/C is
a layer of insulation, assorted wiring, plumbing in some places, plus
untold ribs, stiffeners, & other assorted structural components all of which
have some "Curvature" to them. All these components are riveted together
through "Lap Joints". All joints/connections are sealed with "Sealant" of
varying strengths.
The structure of an A/C is designed to flex, expand, & contract as the A/C
goes thru pressurization/de-pressurization cycles.
There are a few places a "Very High Velocity Bullet" of large caliber could
possibly exit the external skin if it the internal point of impact was at a
"very specific angle, very close to 90 degrees to external skin" if fired
from close range internally. Consider all the materials described above a
bullet would have to impact/penetrate, without its path being diverted by
some degree of ricochet.
Ralph Nesbitt
Professional FD/CFR/ARFF Type
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