Missile Command

Up to three American Airlines jets will be outfitted this spring with laser technology being developed to protect planes from missiles fired by terrorists. Because if we don’t protect commercial airlines from types of attacks that have never happened anywhere in the world ever, then the terrorists have won.

No word yet on an anti-spitball defense or magic-proof shield for aircraft.

Officials said the anti-missile systems won't be tested on passenger flights, but tests could involve more than 1,000 flights to determine how well the technology holds up under the rigors of flight. The first Boeing 767-200 will be equipped no earlier than April or later.

Originally developed for military planes, the technology is intended to stop a missile attack by detecting heat from the rocket, then responding in a fraction of a second by firing a laser beam that jams the missile's guidance system. The fuselage belly mounted anti-missile systems didn't interfere with the jet's other controls in tests, and a signal to mimic a missile attack has also already been tested in the air.

American Airlines said it is "not in favor" of putting anti-missile systems on commercial planes but agreed to take part in the tests to understand technologies that might be available in the future. Nice load of bullshit. You can bet there was a substantial amount of money offered to them to foster their interest in understanding the technology. Otherwise, they would not have been working with system developer BAE on the project for a couple years, or let them install the hardware on a non-commissioned 767. And reporters to would not have gone American's maintenance base in Fort Worth to see a jet outfitted with the laser-jamming device, for which the boys in marketing whipped up the snazzy name Jeteye.

I should have gone into the aeronautics realm and sucked some government contract dough from the taxpayers. BAE recently scored $100 million in funding for their aircraft-protection systems, and they say the technology will cost $500,000 to $1 million per plane to install. Just think of all the planes there are and you’re getting wind of what a nice racket this could be. Then again, $100 million could improve airport security and stopping terrorists from getting missiles or other shoulder-fired weapons that could shoot down commercial jets as they take off and land. And in closing, I have to ask why not just mount a version the jamming technology around the airports and in flight paths…or is there not enough money to be made in that?