Lasers at aircraft - How to catch?

Birdhunter1 · Jan 3, 2005

( Fly an LGB back down the beam.

Problem solved. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Ok...............back to serious discussion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

TBAR )

Sounds like a great idea to me!

r0GuE · Jan 3, 2005

( Fly an LGB back down the beam.

Problem solved. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

TBAR )

The problem is, at the source, the light is too directed to follow in. As soon as the B got out of the beam, it would likely not find it again. When LGBs are used, it is traveling to the reflected light energy off a target. That light is omni directional enought tht the spot is able to be seem from different angles.

I read today the the lazer was green. Very unusual (i.e. not a laser pointer type). Hmmm...

r0GuE · Jan 3, 2005

HA! This link came up on the TBN sponsored links (by Google I guess).

GREEN LASERS

tc35dforme · Jan 3, 2005

It seems that a simple polarizing type film applied to the windscreens would allevaite this concern. I'm no optical engineer, but since a laser is a straight beam, any reflective or polarized coating should deflect the majority of its energy...no ??? It may light up the screen, but a roll-out and go around should get the craft out of harms way.

RockyMnt1 · Jan 3, 2005

If you can consistently track a cockpit pit window on a moving aircraft, then you need to start training for the Olympics and please let the USAF know how to do it, since they appear to be having problems in this area. One might be able to shine the laser into the cockpit momentarily, but you won't be able maintain a constant lock on the cockpit window.

The issue with the film over the cockpit windows is that lasers can have a variety of very specific wavelengths. Unless the protective film fliters a wavelength range, the chances of matching the incoming laser wavelength is small. Certainly curtains could be used, but then you are on instruments.

One other point about pilot eye damage is that not only does an exact spot need to be illuminated (the pilot's eye) on a moving object, but it needs to be illuminated with enough power (lumins) for enough time for damage to occur. The atmosphere will attenuate the beam rapidly based on distance from the laser to the target. The human eye blinks very rapidly to preclude permanent damage in this case.

Yes, it is annoying and damgerous and the folks doing this should be put into a room with a couple of burly pilots. I also wish that this wasn't an issue for pilots.

r0GuE · Jan 3, 2005

( If you can consistently track a cockpit pit window on a moving aircraft, then you need to start training for the Olympics and please let the USAF know how to do it, since they appear to be having problems in this area. )

If I am inline with the flightpath, and very close to the runway end, there would be almost no relative motion between the aircraft and the laser. Yep, I could easily do it, anyone could,.. and that is the problem. I believe that with the proper laser, you would not have to hit the eye for more than an instant. It's been done before, by accident, and on purpose to those in aircraft. It is documented.

RockyMnt1 · Jan 3, 2005

I must still be hung over!!! I didn't think of that configuration(directly in line with the approach path)!! That would certainly make it much easier to track and maintain the lock!!!

Birdhunter1 · Jan 5, 2005

Looks like they got him!

At Fox news:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143288,00.html

r0GuE · Jan 5, 2005

They got one guy, but there are more. I think I heard 7 cities. He's admitted to two times (not sure how many locations, one or two).

PineRidge · Jan 5, 2005

It amazes me that anyone would point a laser at any aircraft and think that the law wouldn't catch up to them sooner or later. I think the guy has a good case for temporary insanity because clearly he isn't hitting on all 8 cylinders.

One guy does something like this then the copycats start emulating him. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif