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

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?


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  • (Score: 1, Flamebait) by Runaway1956 on Tuesday January 25 2022, @06:43PM (1 child)

    by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Tuesday January 25 2022, @06:43PM (#1215648) Journal

    No hellfire, unless my fleet of drones remains intact, in which case I'll fire a hellfire missile up your arse. You are well and truly fixated on the hellfire and damnation schtick.

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  • (Score: 1, Troll) by Azuma Hazuki on Tuesday January 25 2022, @09:02PM

    by Azuma Hazuki (5086) on Tuesday January 25 2022, @09:02PM (#1215674) Journal

    LOL, like I said, you are never, ever, ever going to get your hands on any rooty tooty point'n'shooties outside your own collection, and never in any context more purposeful than hunting, if you're even capable of that any longer.

    What's the matter, Runaway, getting mad? You're making threats now :) And remember, Hell is within you. You have made Hell, and you will find yourself in it for however long you need to be until you unmake it. Don't blame me for your own lack of understanding, or humanity.

    --
    I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...