[ You knew this was coming... -- SD ]

From: https://tinyurl.com/rcpxmxsu (washingtonexaminer.com)

===
FedEx requests FAA permission to add anti-missile laser system to cargo planes

January 14, 2022 07:30 PM
By Abigail Adcox

FedEx is looking to add laser [30]technology to some cargo [31]planes that
would counter incoming heat-seeking [32]missiles .

The company asked for permission from the Federal Aviation Administration
to equip some of its cargo planes with a missile defense system that would
"emit infrared laser energy" outside of the aircraft as a "countermeasure
against heat-seeking missiles," [33]according to a public notice filed
with the Federal Register.

"In recent years, in several incidents abroad, civilian aircraft were
fired upon by man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). This has led
several companies to design and adapt systems like a laser-based
missile-defense system for installation on civilian aircraft," the filing
stated.

One of FedEx's competitors, DHL, was the victim of such an incident in
2003 when one of its cargo jets was hit by a missile after taking off in
[35]Baghdad . The crew was unharmed, [36]according to CNN .

The proposal also talks about potential safety concerns, as infrared laser
energy could be hazardous to people in the aircraft, on the ground, or in
another aircraft. Infrared laser energy is also invisible to the naked
eye, increasing the risks.

To address concerns, the FAA listed several conditions, including
requiring that the design does not allow for "inadvertent operation of the
system" while the plane is on the ground, including during maintenance.

FedEx proposed to install the system on the Airbus A321-200 and would
require the FAA's approval to move forward. The FAA filing says the
proposal will be subject to a 45-day public comment period.

The Washington Examiner reached out to FedEx for comment.

Links:
30. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/technology

31. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/airlines

32. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/hawaii-releases-timeline-of-what-transpired-after-false-ballistic-missile-warning

33. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-00505.pdf

35. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/us-embassy-in-baghdad-targeted-by-multiple-rockets

36. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/14/business/fedex-anti-missile-cargo-planes/index.html

===
... Murphy's Philosophy: smile - tomorrow will be worse.
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Re: Planes with laser beams
By: Sean Dennis to All on Sat Jan 15 2022 10:49 am

[ You knew this was coming... -- SD ]

From: https://tinyurl.com/rcpxmxsu (washingtonexaminer.com)

===
FedEx requests FAA permission to add anti-missile laser system to cargo pla

The world is going to Hell via express Parcel Delivery.

Are standard flare-style countermeassures declassè?

--
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Hello Sean Dennis!

** On Saturday 15.01.22 - 10:49, Sean Dennis wrote to All:

To address concerns, the FAA listed several conditions, including
requiring that the design does not allow for "inadvertent operation of the system" while the plane is on the ground, including during maintenance.

You'd think that "not allow" operation "while the plane is on
the ground" would be obvious. What could go wrong? :/
--
../|ug

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Hello August,

Sunday January 16 2022 18:49, you wrote to me:

You'd think that "not allow" operation "while the plane is on
the ground" would be obvious. What could go wrong? :/

When it involves live, deadly weapons, a lot could go wrong and I am speaking from personal experience as a redleg (US Army field artillery).

-- Sean

... Drop your carrier ... we have you surrounded!
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Hello Arelor,

Sunday January 16 2022 14:24, you wrote to me:

Are standard flare-style countermeassures declassè?

Yes but I think for the kind of missles FexEx is worrying about that may not be enough.

-- Sean

... Life has a certain ending and uncertain timing.
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Re: Planes with laser beams
By: Sean Dennis to Arelor on Mon Jan 17 2022 12:37 pm

Hello Arelor,

Sunday January 16 2022 14:24, you wrote to me:

Are standard flare-style countermeassures declassè?

Yes but I think for the kind of missles FexEx is worrying about that may not enough.

-- Sean

... Life has a certain ending and uncertain timing.

In any case, it looks like they are shutting off the idea

https://kfgo.com/2022/01/18/u-s-faa-halts-review-of-fedex-proposal-to-install-a 321-laser-based-missile-defense-system/

I guess FedEx didn't place a big enough bribe on the table.

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Arelor wrote to Sean Dennis <=-

I guess FedEx didn't place a big enough bribe on the table.

Sounds like it.

-- Sean

... Creditors have much better memories than debtors.
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