Fri, Apr 03, 2009
Says It Will 'Mercilessly Shoot Them Down'
The clock is counting down to the
start of the
stated launch window for a multi-stage rocket by North
Korea.
Fox News cites North Korean sources in reporting the launch of
the Taepodong-2 missile -- which is now sporting a bulb-shaped
payload cover -- will happen between Saturday and Tuesday. The
shape of the payload cover looks more like the satellite North
Korea claims it is, than the dummy warhead feared by western
intelligence.
Still, critics say any launch will violate a UN Security Council
resolution and bring sanctions. The rhetoric from the regime of Kim
Jung Il has reached hyperbole.
Regarding flights by US RC-135 surveillance planes near the
site, state-run radio from the north says, "If the brigandish US
imperialists dare to infiltrate spy planes into our airspace to
interfere with our peaceful satellite launch preparations, our
revolutionary armed forces will mercilessly shoot them down."
Despite the clear threat, it's not clear -- in fact, rather
doubtful -- North Korea has that capability. Fox points out the
RC-135 can operate as high as 50,000 feet.
Japan is making preparations to shoot down any parts of the
missle which threaten to fall on its territory. North Korea's
broadcast response says the nation, "will consider this as the
start of Japan's war of re-invasion ... and mercilessly destroy all
its interceptor means and citadels with the most powerful military
means."
Adding to the international tension, North Korea announced
Tuesday it will indict and try two American journalists accused of
crossing the border illegally from China on March 17 to conduct
"hostile acts."
More News
Hold Procedure A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during ground operatio>[...]
Altitude Readout An aircraft’s altitude, transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is visually displayed in 100-foot increments on a radar scope having readout cap>[...]
Aero Linx: European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU) The general aim of the EHPU is to promote and protect hang gliding and paragliding in Europe. In order to achieve this>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
"The need for innovation at speed and scale is greater than ever. The X-62A VISTA is a crucial platform in our efforts to develop, test and integrate AI, as well as to establish AI>[...]