OT...May find it interesting if you like rocket sleds, fire and flames!

[Steve Helmick]

This sled shoot was at China Lake Naval Weapons Test Center (NWTC), where my brother retired from, after much of his career as a lead engineer on the Sidewinder missle development. NWTC is West of Death Valley, more or less.   Steve

https://review.bellmedia.ca/view/114027208

[Noel Corney]

very interesting, Great technology, Pity the video is such poor quality, intermittent sound and picture very jerky, Disappointing, get the picture tho

[Brett Buck]

very interesting, Great technology, Pity the video is such poor quality, intermittent sound and picture very jerky, Disappointing, get the picture tho

   I don't know - the video quality was nearly broadcast-quality on my moderately-fast connection, nothing like jerky or intermittent.

     Brett

[Bill Johnson]

   I don't know - the video quality was nearly broadcast-quality on my moderately-fast connection, nothing like jerky or intermittent.

     Brett

I had no problems either even full screen. It's interesting how of the old missile system components are still around being used. I guess that's the same package the Nike missile used with 4 boosters and two sustainer motors.

[Steve Helmick]

I had no problems either even full screen. It's interesting how of the old missile system components are still around being used. I guess that's the same package the Nike missile used with 4 boosters and two sustainer motors.

Yeah, you'd think the goobermint would spend billion$ developing something specifically for pushing the various sleds. There's one at Edwards, I expect one at Holloman, and this one at NWTC, which I was unaware of.    Steve

[Tim Wescott]

Yeah, you'd think the goobermint would spend billion$ developing something specifically for pushing the various sleds. There's one at Edwards, I expect one at Holloman, and this one at NWTC, which I was unaware of.    Steve

If you're only going to have a few of something big, particularly test equipment, individual lash-ups are usually better -- it covers more bases, and it keeps you from either having three identically useless rocket sleds, or no rocket sleds at all while you're waiting for "the planning phase" to get done.

[Steve Helmick]

If you're only going to have a few of something big, particularly test equipment, individual lash-ups are usually better -- it covers more bases, and it keeps you from either having three identically useless rocket sleds, or no rocket sleds at all while you're waiting for "the planning phase" to get done.

Yeah, but that's overly logical when dealing with government spending.

My brother to boss: "I'm going to run over to HQ and get a haircut at lunch." Boss: "Take the van. If we don't put more miles on it, they'll take it away, and reduce our budget." Brother: "No." 

Later: Boss: "I can get you a new computer in this year's budget." Brother: "No, I finally got this one working with the right software to do what I want. I don't want a new computer."  That's the way the government works. True stories.  Steve
 

[Tim Wescott]

Yeah, but that's overly logical when dealing with government spending.

My brother to boss: "I'm going to run over to HQ and get a haircut at lunch." Boss: "Take the van. If we don't put more miles on it, they'll take it away, and reduce our budget." Brother: "No." 

Later: Boss: "I can get you a new computer in this year's budget." Brother: "No, I finally got this one working with the right software to do what I want. I don't want a new computer."  That's the way the government works. True stories.  Steve 

Large corporations, too -- which is part of the reason I'm self-employed.

[Noel Corney]

Must have something to do with the long distance transmission ( Ha Ha) here to Australia, It's still poor quality compared to what I usually get.  Almost unwatchable.

[RknRusty]

Must have something to do with the long distance transmission ( Ha Ha) here to Australia, It's still poor quality compared to what I usually get.  Almost unwatchable.

There is a download button below the embedded video. Click that to bring the movie file to your computer, and watch it locally even at full screen size. No need to be at the mercy of the servers between you and the video host.
Hope that helps,
Rusty

[Noel Corney]

Well thank you very much Rusty. I didn't even see the download button and have never had to do that before this .   Extremely worthwhile,  Great story.