"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATcox.net wrote in message
...

"RAM" wrote in message
news:wWV0g.930487$xm3.207853@attbi_s21...

It appears then that the rocket is the link in the "system" that is most
likely to degrade with time. Given a choice (and assuming I needed it),
I'd
rather have a system with a questionable rocket than none at all!!


There are other names for a questionable rocket. One that comes to mind is
bomb.



That's a valid point, although I've never heard of a solid fuel rocket in a
ballisticaly deployed parachute "exploding". I believe that it the event of
an instantaneous and total ignition of the charge (which you alude to) the
container would fail long before an explosive pressure could be generated.
I think the issue of rockets that are "old" is the previously mentioned
oxide which forms resulting in a misfire.

Still, given a choice (and still assuming I needed it) I'd risk a "misfire"
or even a burst case over the alternative. As was mentioned early on in
this thread, the BEST option is an airworthy system (in date and properly
maintained).

Rick