Because most of the exercises use simulators, and not real bombs. It would be too expensive because Red Flag goes almost year round. Simulators are tiny compared to real bombs, and just let out a small puff of smoke.

As far as SAM sites being seen from the air, the missiles have to stay in the open otherwise it's a little dangerous to shoot them.

Ok, thanks for that. But there's still something bugging me.

Some of the "targetS" were situated pretty close to what look to me to be towns or areas with buildings.

Fair enough, the tests may be simulations but isn't there an element of danger involved? Being close to those areas with towns or buildings where i'm guessing there would be people I mean?

Don't take this the wrong way, i'm not denying your explanations. I'm not the sort of person that'll remain adamant that they are created by aliens (despite being given perfectly logical explanations).

I'm just really curious is all.

Not all of them are real. There are some very realistic looking places at Nellis.

Huh?? Ok, you've lost me now.

What do you mean "not all of them are real".

Do you mean the buildings or the markings?

If it's the buildings then why would there be buildings that aren't real??

What do you mean by not real? Also, if they're not real, then what is their purpose?

Sorry for all of the questions, i'm really curious now!!

They're real buildings, but there's nothing in them. They're there to add realism to the target ranges. Some of the exercises involve precision guided weapons, so they put "towns" on the ranges and have certain buildings be the targets, and the crews have to pick them out with the laser and hit them with simulated weapons. They look just like real towns, and they are real buildings, just that there is no one, or nothing in any of them.

Aaaaahhh, I get it now. Sorry for barraging you with all the questions. Thanks for the answers. You've cleared it up for me now. Cheers!

No problem. Glad I'm able to help you out.

Originally posted by Lamagraa
i asked a mod he told me to sumbit a gripe/idea so i did so when the proper mods wake up it shuold be changed

Lamagraa, hey how you doing? Anymore from the mod's about renaming the thread yet?

I've been (g)oogling again and found loads more of the "targets".

Some of them are really detailed markings, some are merely simple. Some are just odd looking

Can you let me know how it goes with the thread when you have the time. Thanks