On Mon, 25 May 2009 09:48:23 -0700 (PDT), mr1956
wrote:

One quick question: Am I
correct in assuming that the ground lead of the rocket mounted antenna
should be as short as possible? i.e., the connection between the
shield of the RG-178 and the metal airframe.

Very much so - mm instead of inches.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC