new scientist reports that the reason that the shoulder-fired missile attacks on an israeli airliner failed is because they were launched too early. it doesn't help that the rockets used were first introduced in 1972, based on 1950s soviet technology.

you have to wonder why they fired the two rockets simultaneously. it raises interesting questions about how willing the groups that sponsored the attack are to throw ordinance away. (but perhaps the thinking was that two simultaneous hits would stand a better chance of taking the airliner down.)

naturally, it is a very good thing that the attacks failed. let's hope that keeps happening.