[Steely Tom]

I used to work with missiles (MGM-52 Lance) fueled with UDMH (unsymmetrical dymethylhydrazine) and a IRFNA (Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid) oxidizer. Crazy stuff. Explosive and poisonous as hell. Even rust would set it off.

Wow, that brings back memories.

I haven't heard of the "Lance" missile since I was a kid, and was crazy about rockets and missiles. I used to get up early on Saturday mornings to watch The Big Picture on TV. I had a poster showing all the Army's rockets (Honest John, Sergeant, etc.).

I'm glad you made it through that experience without being injured or maimed. The Army must have given you guys extremely good training (which probably included scaring the bejeezus out of you with ghastly films), although I've heard of a few horrific accidents (one in particular having been caused by a static discharge).

[SJSAMPLE]

You must be referring to the Pershing accident in Germany. Killed two, IIRC.

Strangely, solid fuel rockets are much safer to store, stage and fire.

[GreyFriar]

Your mention of the Lance missile reminded me that one of the major model kit companies has produced two 1/35 scale models of the Lance: one is on a ground launched trailer and the other is mounted on the M-548/M-113 chassis that was the Lance prime mover and launcher. I will provide the name of the company via freepmail if you request it.