The failed M247 leads into three naval air-defence examples that looked better in concept than in practice. Sea Slug's enormous launch signature may have intimidated observers, although it is treated as an ineffective weapon. Japanese Type 3 anti-aircraft shells are described as excellent in principle and useless in practice. The unrotated projectile adds a darker failure mode because its aerial mines could threaten the ship that fired them. Military sponsorship cannot substitute for testing a system's real engagement mechanics and hazards.
Notable Point · 1:08:00-1:09:17
Sea Slug, Type 3 shells, and unrotated projectiles
Sea Slug, Japan's Type 3 shells, and the unrotated projectile show how spectacular or clever air-defence schemes could reach service without delivering their promised battlefield effect.