Questions regarding surface-to-air missiles.

8 replies

TheRealBabushka

Member since 21 Apr 2012

Total posts 2,058

Questions regarding surface-to-air missiles.

- What are the protocols around air exclusion zones?

- Who administers these protocols?

- Are adherence to these protocols compulsory?

- Who ensures compliance?

- Given the limit of 33,000 feet has now been breached, will the limit be modified (currently limit is 32,000 feet - Source: ChannelNewsAsia)?

- Who has the responsibility to change the limit?

- How are tech crew and airline's operations HQ made aware of changes to air exclusion zones, particularly in transit when flight plans have already been submitted and approved?

wilsoni Banned

wilsoni Banned

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 28 Sep 2011

Total posts 302

I can answer one of the questions. Air exclusion zones are set by the government of the country whose airspace is concerned.

As to raising the limit above FL 320, that may not be practically possible - many aircraft transiting the Ukraine area eastbound have a big fuel load on board for flights to e.g. SIN, KUL, BKK and can't get much higher at that stage of the flight.

TheRealBabushka

Member since 21 Apr 2012

Total posts 2,058

Interesting. Thanks wilsoni.

wilsoni Banned

wilsoni Banned

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Member since 28 Sep 2011

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Also, Russian S-300 and S-400 systems (more "advanced" than the BUK used on MH 17) can potentially intercept targets up to 27,000 metres (over FL 800) - much higher than any Boeing or Airbus can ever go. Unlikely these are in the hands of anyone other than Russian military units, but still...

Hugo

Member since 12 Jun 2013

Total posts 216

Related question: hitting a cruising airliner requires a far more sophisticated SAM setup than one of those shoulder-launched dealios that terrorists usually get their hands on, right? 

TheRealBabushka

Member since 21 Apr 2012

Total posts 2,058

Can you tell the difference between Terrorist, Paid Armed Militia (i.e. Mercenaries) and State-Sponsored Armed Militia (i.e. a state's armed forces)?

wilsoni Banned

wilsoni Banned

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Member since 28 Sep 2011

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Not to forget "freedom fighters"...

wilsoni Banned

wilsoni Banned

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Member since 28 Sep 2011

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Right. A "man portable" SAM wouldn't reach FL 330. Even a Stinger can make only half that.

reno

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 20 Sep 2013

Total posts 317

Protocols..for exclusion zones ..well dummy you dont go there.Seven players adminster treaties and is not l compulsory in all areas.Tech crew are provided wih advice as to no fly zones/military closures ect.Flight plans can be changed at any time by the Captain or by base....Just you get over it and fly to fill the coperate coffer. 

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