>> Thus his quick access to a rocket launcher, though not so fast as to get both planes. <<

And a key reason for Fury not messing with Tony's half-cracked plan: "Who knows, maybe the damn pig WILL fly."

>> Losing Cheese for an irradiated Big Apple, ill-advised. <<

Yeah, that is "Stuff Nicky in the blender and lean on Frappe" territory. He may not be daunted Loki but Mrs. Fury oh hell yes. It's kind of like how Steve can get to Phil: by being there before all the armor was up. By the time Loki shows up, Fury is just about numb to everything.