Precomputed Rapier positions treated San Carlos as a land campaign and optimized protection for the depot rather than the ships unloading offshore. Crews recognized the mismatch and improvised new sites, but moving launchers required helicopters, engineers, or even local tractors. The episode is a sharp example of technically rigorous planning failing because the model omitted the naval half of an amphibious operation.
Notable Point · 1:38:04-1:40:03
Rapier positions planned as a land battle at San Carlos
A Falklands veteran's account shows how computer-selected Rapier sites protected the shore depot while leaving ships in San Carlos poorly covered.