Rusty Shackleford's X-Files

[osymandus]

Before you start to accuse me of ducking out of an argument, This will be my last post before I dart out for the game.

Yes, I know what an EMP involves, but I don't think you understand the radius of one, especially as you seem to refer to them as a cheap and easy alternative to a nuclear weapon. Those readily available/easily constructed would have a fairly limited radius, perhaps the size of the initial blast of a nuclear device.

How many aircraft do you think would be involved in the catch radius of an EMP at any give time? Suggesting that the target would be a high profile city, I'd estimate a handful at best would be in the direct radius. You can also equate to a handful more that could be included with the resulting problems with Airport communications, but that's not a definitive result either way.

People on life support, pace makers and the like would equate to a small percentage of the population and support would eventually arrive to people trapped in trains. People who are trapped in their cars and can't get out by smashing a window probably don't deserve to live anyway.

All in all, the effects of an EMP would pale in comparison to those of a nuclear attack which, as even you suggested, would result in an Electromagnetic interference anyway.

I'm beginning to see why Rusty needs a break from this place, now...

And i i understand why he seems to think in only grand generalised terms
Relative scale threat its a lovely term.

Relative to a nuclear device . If you going to time and effort you avoid detection , also there are other ways of generating aside from nuclear detention. I think you missing the point as in not comparing the destruction caused by a nuke by these people but by the viable ability and most likely threat. Its been shown the suitcase dirty bomb isnt viable . Small team's of sleeper cell agents with specific placed targets.

It's a lovely idea you have that they just want to wipe everyone out and are single track killing machines , sadly the reality is far removed .

The other point being of course EMP devices are now smaller and are produced as both grenades and rockets . Small covert teams in set locations . Im sure no one could get to the top of buildings or even hijack aircraft ... oh wait they did that didn't they . Right run this past me again multiple car pile ups , close motorways for how many hours in a situation where help is readily available ?