re: Latest Updates: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

I think this is a good explanation of why Russia isn't going to shoot down ATACMS:

quote:

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While the ATACMS does assume a ballistic arc to its target, it also performs a series of rapid and sudden turns and course corrections on the way to its aimpoint. This is a deliberate function of the ATACMS, as this seemingly erratic flight behavior makes it exceptionally difficult to track or intercept. This class of weapon is thus widely referred to as a "quasi-ballistic missile", though the US Army has also referred to the ATACMS as a "maneuvering missile".

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Basically, the missile twists and turns on its way to very high and almost directly over the target, and then it blasts downwards to the target at speeds above Mach 3.