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Air travel security could be poised to take a step in a very different direction than we’ve seen in the past: we’re about to see tests conducted on technology designed to protect commercial airplanes from shoulder-fired missile (or MANPADS) attacks. “The Department of Homeland Security signed a $29 million contract with BAE Systems on December 21. BAE said Thursday it is working with American Airlines to put laser systems on the planes, which will be flying between New York and California.” (From CNN) Keep reading (click “more”) for the reasoning behind the tests and American Airlines’ perhaps surprising response…
Liked this story? Then check out Airport Security: Is it (Past) Time for a Change? |
The Department of Homeland Security has said that there is no known current threat from these weapons on commercial airplanes, but they point out that there was an unsuccessful attack on an Israeli commercial flight using MANPADS in the past, and that MANPADS were key weapons used against Soviet helicopters in Afghanistan.
As for American Airlines, they have made it clear that they aren’t in favor of installing these types of defense systems on commercial aircraft. However, as they told CNN, the airline is participating in the tests “because it ‘wants to understand the development’ of these technologies that might be available in the future.”
Please let me know your thoughts on this. Is this a logical step in air travel security, or is it a mistake? I would really like to hear what people have to say on the matter.
[ Liked this story? Then check out Airport Security: Is it (Past) Time for a Change? ]
Is it unusual for a country that spends the most dollars in the world on defense to be the most paranoid or is our astronomical defense budget a result of this paranoia ? As tragic and eye-opening 9/11 was to the United States, terrorism has been in existence around the world for much of the 20th century. Yet, most countries take much more pragmatic yet effective steps to counter it. Missile systems on domestic commercial airplanes ? Come on, if this was intended for airplanes that fly over sensitive international routes, then I might even see some wisdon in it, but NYC-LAX flights ??! If the intention of the terrorist was to scare us or bleed us emotionally and financially, then it would seem that they have succeeded.
Comment by Nitty Rao — January 17, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Once again, DHS thinks throwing a lot of money at an infinitesmial threat is a good idea. To me, it seems like this is more of a pork barrel project than anything else.
America is getting ridiculous in its fear of terrorism. People have a better chance of winning the lottery than dying in a plane crash, and even a smaller chance than that of it being because of terrorism. 9/11 was a tragic event no doubt, but we can’t throw common sense and logic out the window in an effort to make people FEEL safe. We need smart security to actually make us BE safe.
A lot of what TSA and DHS does to keep air travel safe is kabuki theater to make people feel better. They believe that you have to harass people to have effective security. That’s false. Technology exists that can make air travel safer and reduce lines without doing stupid things like shoe carnivals, Kippie baggies and liquid lunacy. TSA refuses to use it though. It’d rather do 1 big thing that looks like something but really doesn’t help rather than a lot of little things that no one will notice and actually enhance security.
Comment by Kris — January 17, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Hello People, Hello;
This means that terrorists can hijack a “laser protected’ plane and have some defense against getting shot down by us. We are essentially spending a ton of money for protection that can be used by the bad guys. Like the person above said; the DHS/TSA would rather spend huge bucks on ‘feel good’ harrassment instead of quiet, boring, effective behind-the-scenes measures.
Comment by Gary — January 17, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Sounds like a boondoggle to me… If you don’t know what boondoggle is, google it for fun, and you’ll see this fits the description exactly.
Comment by djrobsd — January 17, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I agree with everyone that this is a egregious waste or our money. I cannot wait till DOH Chernoff gets out of office. He is driving travelers crazy and the country financially into the ground with all these security measures. I dare say, we will be just as safe with out DOH/TSA meddling.
Comment by Bonnie — January 17, 2008 @ 6:16 pm