Is it possible for a device the size of a soda can to bring down an airliner?

2015-11-18T11:32:07-05:00

Wondering what the EOD members think.

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Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 18 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-11-18T13:32:40-05:00

I am not EOD, but here are my thoughts on this matter.... 1. Depends on what the explosive used was....some make bigger bang using less..... diesel fuel and fertilizer in this size package not so much.....C-4....maybe. Other aspect is WHERE on the air craft? if it was in the middle of the cargo hold, maybe not....but if it was near an outside wall/skin, or in an area where there are critical components/joints/structures..... again....maybe. Would be interesting to hear what EOD folk have to say!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-11-18T13:41:05-05:00

The answer is yes, yes it can, if placed in the proper place. When an airplane is pressurized and in the sky even a small device can have a devastating effect. Here is a link that should get you to Dr. Sydney Alford's demonstration a few years back: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5753092

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Nov 18 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-11-18T15:32:36-05:00

It most certainly is large enough. All it takes is a hole in the cabin. If you combine the speed of the aircraft and a hole in the pressured cabin, the bird will come apart rather quick. The fact that has a small shaped charge on the bottom of the can should help make a hole.

Response by SSG(P) Paul VanHorn made Apr 6 at 2016 9:35 PM

2016-04-06T21:35:06-04:00

Of course, especially if packed as a shaped charge pointed at the fuselage.