4 ms·
Couldn't it be hidden underground (or in a mountain/large hill), with something like a ring shaped trench or slit leading to the launch aperture? Basically a bi
by blincoln 5y ago
Couldn't it be hidden underground (or in a mountain/large hill), with something like a ring shaped trench or slit leading to the launch aperture? Basically a big, camouflaged version of WWI/WWII-style concrete coastal gun emplacements.
I'm no expert, but I thought ICBM launches were detected using thermal IR sensors on satellites. There wouldn't be any for this launcher. There would still be a heat signature from the second stage, but it wouldn't need to be anywhere near the launcher itself.
- yholio 5y agoI believe the parent is right, you couldn't hide it. Even if you succeed in building them completely stealthy, it's just a matter of time until the enemy finds out the locations using espionage or signals intelligence, and after that they will place the site unde non-stop satellite surveillance. They are massive and can't be moved, so they are sitting ducks. As for launching, you are guaranteed to produce a thermal signature in the first few seconds of flight, since you hit the high density atmosphere at a 3-5 Km/s speed. You will leave a distinct, large and highly detectable infrared signature and the enemy will be alerted: https://youtu.be/JAczd3mt3X0?t=274 https://youtu.be/JAczd3mt3X0?t=274