EFL
Bruce Simpson has stated on his website that he intends to construct "cruise missiles", which are taking shape in his shed near Auckland. Security experts say the ease with which Mr Simpson has obtained parts and built a working jet-engine is a warning that such weapons could be built by the wrong people. They are divided over whether the missile plans he has posted online encourage terrorism or simply raise awareness that the technology is widely available. Mr Simpson, a 49-year-old internet developer, stated on the website www.interestingprojects.com on April 29 that he would build a cruise missile. He has already test-fired several noisy jet engines, as neighbours up to 1km away have testified.
| "Duck, Harriet! Bruce is working on his hobby again!" |
Mr Simpson said that the missiles would not be used for terrorism, but to test home-built jet engines. He said he was fascinated by pulse-jets, which are best known for powering the German V1 flying bomb in World War 2. He has dedicated four years to developing an improved version, called the X-Jet, which he hopes to license. Mr Simpson posted details of the X-Jet online, and has given step-by-step instructions on building a cruise missile. He was able to buy online the electronic parts needed to guide the missile once fired and import them and was alarmed at the ease with which he was able to pursue his project. "All this stuff is off the shelf," he said. "It came in under the radar. It rang no alarm bells." Among the imported items are a radio control transmitter and flight pack, global positioning gear, antennas, software, video camera and a flight control system. Mr Simpson ordered them from overseas websites, they were delivered within two weeks, and passed through customs with ease. Mr Simpson bought parts for the missile's body and wings -- such as stainless steel, polystyrene sheets and fibreglass -- locally. Mr Simpson has been heavily involved with the Internet since the mid-1990s, running news websites such as aardvark.co.nz and 7am.com. His missile site is entitled "A DIY Cruise Missile -- watch me build one for under $5000". He said the site had received 250,000 hits in two weeks, including many that appeared to be from United States military and security institutions.
I'm only surprised no one has built one before. Hundreds if not thousands of homebuilt aircraft are constructed every year. GPS autopilots are now available off the shelf, and small jet engines as well. Someone was bound to put them together sooner or later. |