Why would a missile explode after being catapaulted into the air and landing back on the deck?
Cracked propellent for one, although relatively rare. Equally rare would be some kind of arming malfunction.
Re: CL, more complicated equipment, higher MTBF. Failure of CL gear WILL disable complete sections of the magazine, depending on how the plumbing works. Hence the so-called disadvantage of HL’s complicated vents is relative as compare to CL.
Another way to examine failure scenarios it (below)
Rocket ignition failure: Probability?
CL: Missile falls back to deck, live ordnance on deck is a big no no.
HL: Live missile in launcher, still a risk but lesser
Cracked propellent: (explodes) Probability?
CL: Missile clear deck and explodes
HL: Missile explodes in launcher
Cracked propellent: (fizz) Probability?
CL: Missile clears deck, falls on deck, fizzes and burns on deck
HL: Missiles burns in launcher
Warhead premature activation: Probability?
CL: Missile explodes on deck
HL: Missile explodes in launcher/magazine
On the whole, it is a matter of preference. There are pros and con, IMO
Sign In
