Anti-Missile Technology on Commercial Aircraft
There have been stories previously, but this time it looks like it will actually happen:
Up to three American Airlines jets carrying passengers will be outfitted with anti-missile technology this spring in the latest phase of testing technology to protect commercial planes from attack.
[…]
The technology is intended to stop a missile attack by detecting heat given off from the rocket, then firing a laser beam that jams the missile’s guidance system.
I have several feelings about this. One, it’s security theater against a movie-plot threat. Two, given that that’s true, attaching an empty box to the belly of the plane and writing “Laser Anti-Missile System” on it would be just as effective a deterrent at a fraction of the cost. And three, how do we know that’s not what they’re doing?
More news here.
Roy • January 18, 2008 11:55 AM
In the arms business, this is the best way to make a fortune — create a weapon or a defense which will never be tested. Make some testable demonstration models to sell the idea, but since the emplaced systems will never ever be tested, it’s enough to substitute look-alike dummies and pencil-whip the rest of the ‘work’ — for which you will bill the customer the full amount.