"Scott M. Kozel" wrote in message
...
"Ralph Nesbitt" wrote:

"Cub Driver" wrote:

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."

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.

Really? I saw a movie in the 1960s where a guy with a .38 revolver
tried to shoot another pax on an airliner (I think it was a DC-7), and
he missed and the slug went through the cabin wall and hit an engine and
set it on fire. :-]

Was that the 1 with the promotion for "Scenic Florida Vacation Property at
+/- 2' sea level" as a "Promotional Trailer"?
Ralph Nesbitt
Professional FD/CFR/ARFF Type