Assessment of the passenger airplane threat due to on board firing

摘要

A specific passenger airplane threat is the use of weapons against the airplane in flight, either from the outside or inside. The cause of inner firing on board a plane may occur in the event of a terrorist attack or an action of an armed escort on board against an assailant. In this case also the airframe might be affected. This paper describes and evaluates factors threatening the passenger airplane in service, with an emphasis on the possible use of small arms on board. The extent and importance of possible damage caused by firing with respect to the flight safety is evaluated. Possible measures are suggested in order to reduce the risk caused by firing on board.