I understand that the US reluctantly gave permission for slick RAF Hercs to go into AFG. There was a case of a US Herc accidentally firing off its flares on the way into Afg airspace. The crew turned back and did not complete its mission such was the seriousness with which DAS was perceived to be needed. I can testify that it was not just a perceived threat, but there were other MANPAD incidents. One crew were fired on and clearly saw the explosion. They were later reassured that it was most likely a meteorite. This took the copilot particularly by surprise as he had not long completed a physics degree. He had never come across meteorites that could fly upwards before!
Last edited by nigegilb; 19th Mar 2006 at 09:00.