2007-04-07 16:52:39 · 8 answers · asked by ghetto_star100 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Only if it heads toward highly populated areas or any other significant national security targets, and looks as if it may do another kamikaze attack like 9/11. And perhaps not even then.
What will happen is fighters will get scrambled and 2 or 3 fighters will surround the plane and force the plane to turn toward a nearby airport. Warning shots may be fired. If the pilot refuses to follow orders, then more aggressive move, such as nudging, turbulance bumping, and such will be used. If sitll no result, the fighters maybe cleared to fire quick burst into non-essential areas of the plane, such as the wingtip. In order to force the plane down.
If nothing works, and there is no time to try anything else, then the planes will fall back and heat-seeker missiles will be fired targeting the engines. Airlines are too slow and have no countermeasures, so hits are assured, and chances of survivors will then be minimal.
2007-04-07 21:59:59 · answer #1 · answered by Kasey C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shooting down a hijacked airliner wasn't an option until 9/11. Now, it is definitely on the table. If there is another hijacking in US airspace, there is no doubt that fighter planes will intercept and escort the airliner. There is also no doubt if it appears that the airliner is going to suicide, they will take it down. I hope and pray no fighter pilot ever has to carry out that order.
2007-04-08 00:00:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not typically. Most hijacked airliners have innocent passengers aboard and the whole issue is keeping these people safe. How comfortable would you feel about flying if you knew that your plane would be shot down in the event of a hijack?
2007-04-08 00:00:31 · answer #3 · answered by Terrie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's one possibility, If the airliner got into an area that would be a likely terrorist target, then yes it could be destroyed before it could become a threat.
2007-04-07 23:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by redd headd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No not as a rule.....but the option is available since 9/11.
2007-04-08 00:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. If its going to crash into a building and kill thousands, it's the best choice to shoot it down and only lose a few hundred. Very hard decision though.
2007-04-08 00:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, unless dick cheney orders NORAD to stand down, like on 9/11.
2007-04-08 00:10:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you want the military answer my husband gave me? - No.
But bear in mind the military does not negotiate with terrorists.
2007-04-08 00:00:36 · answer #8 · answered by twogingerkisses 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋