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Supporting Systems - Firing Systems
The Starstreak High Velocity Missile is carried in a closed up launch cylinder. For the purpose of firing, such a cylinder is connected to a target-seeking element. The one who operates the system follows the target by means of the target seeking element's optically steadied display. Once fired the first phase rocket motor ignites which launches the missile from the cylinder. However, it is exhausted prior to getting out of the cylinder - for the purpose of shielding the missile operator.
Once the missile is at a harmless distance from the operator, the second phase rocket motor will fire.
Ok fine I get all of that, but on this image
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/...23_964x668.jpg
You are surrounded by a wall a couple of feet away and all the films I saw of the launch a chuffing great flame comes out the arse end of those tubes when it fires... Surely you would not want a wall the redirect that back at the operators?
Call me old fashioned but it all looks a bit Heath Robinson, is the thing so poorly weighted you have to chuck sandbags on the base to increase the stability of it? I take it the wooden base it to spread the weight? Also I bet they are really screwing up some guys TV picture, let alone it reducing their coverage
