Originally Posted by
triumph61
Assuming that this video is genuine:
The second missile is launched 12 seconds after the explosion of the first missile. What this tells us is that the system CANNOT have been in automatic mode. If it was in automatic, a second missile would have been selected by the computer immediately upon launch of the first & the thermal batteries (to ignite the solid propellant motor) charged. Upon the explosion of the first missile, if there was still a radar return, the system would immediately launch a second missile (say 2 seconds after the first missile exploded).
This 12 second delay confirms that the SAM operator observed his "C" scope display & assumed he had missed as he still had a return after the first had exploded. He selected another missile and fired but there would be another delay of 3-4 seconds before launch as the thermal batteries ignited. I have no doubt that this was NOT an automatic firing.