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FedEx Asks Permission to Install Anti-Missile Lasers on its Cargo Jet

posted by martyb on Tuesday January 18 2022, @11:59PM   Printer-friendly
from the Pew!-Pew!-Pew! dept.

upstart writes:

FedEx Asks Permission to Install Anti-Missile Lasers on Its Cargo Jet:

FedEx has asked the US Federal Aviation Administration if it could install anti-missile lasers on cargo jets, according to a request filed earlier this month. The FAA request is set to be published on the public register next week.

Heat-seeking missiles detect and target heat from cargo jet engines, and because these planes are less maneuverable that a fighter jet, they're hard to shake off. Gizmodo reports that anti-missile lasers act like a distraction, shining an infrared laser directly at the missile to disrupt its ability to track a heat signature.

Although it may seem out of left field, supply chain issues have been causing food and product shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Last year, hackers even deployed ransomware attacks on a major agricultural services provider. With those cyberpunk logistics challenges in mind, FedEx's application makes a little more sense.

"In recent years, in several incidents abroad, civilian aircraft were fired upon by man-portable air defense systems," the application letter reads.

[...] When FedEx first tested similar equipment back in 2008, CBS reported the lasers were eye-safe. In addition, Gizmodo reports that the current application includes new features, reporting and important safety information for airline crew. The lasers really shouldn't pose a problem to civilians on the ground, then, and it makes us wonder — should all passenger planes have this tech?

Original Submission

 
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  • (Score: 1, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @04:20AM (3 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @04:20AM (#1213778)

    with a bit of Native American thrown in

    Ok, Pocahontas. Just like every other white person in the USA.

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  • (Score: 1, Troll) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday January 19 2022, @04:40AM (2 children)

    by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday January 19 2022, @04:40AM (#1213781) Journal

    I'm not a Democrat for starters. Nor have I ever used my heritage to get a scholarship, or any other edge on my peers. Thanks for playing though!

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @05:01PM (1 child)

      by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @05:01PM (#1213874)

      With the notable exception of just now, right?

      • (Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @05:49PM

        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 19 2022, @05:49PM (#1213886)

        idiot