09 Jul 2003, 18:49, JIM HOLSONBACK (1:123/140), wrote to MATT MC_CARTHY:

Hi JIM.

 JH> This last test also used the "real" reinforced carbon panels,
 JH> which I read cost $800K each, so that costs a lot right there.

In the parts that I excerpted, there was a statement that they actually
took a real panel from the shuttle in the Smithsonian.

Something is missing though in the pictures of the hole that I saw attached
to the news story I quoted from.  

That nitrogen cannon shot was supposed to be aimed at the leading edge of
the wing section, to simulate the "actual impact", yet, the
16" hole was shown in a broad flat surface that bore no resemblance to
a 'leading edge', and further, there were no signs of any 'heat tiles' in
place.  It was _my_ belief that the leading edge and the underside of the
wing were covered with heat tiles. 

???????????

Makes me wonder...


     Good luck...  M.

--- Msged/386 TE 06 (pre)