Due to the rise of laser incidents that have distracted pilots in recent years, BAE Systems announced the development of “laserproof” cockpits that utilizes new technology, which selectively prevents laser transmission.
“Ideas are often spawned in unlikely places; this idea was conceived whilst on holiday watching a 3D film,” research engineer Daniel Black said. “Rather than watching the film, I looked at the way 3D glasses form an image by blocking light. I then started to piece together a way of creating a very specific filter that is capable of blocking harmful laser light while maintaining excellent visibility.”
The system still allows in natural light with a minimum of color distortion while turning aside directed laser attempts. It is, they say, low cost, but also lightweight and flexible, so as to keep it from interfering with aircraft operation.
“Lasers operate at specific wavelengths,” Leslie Laycock, BAE Systems executive scientist, said. “A series of successful laboratory trials have proven our method is effective against a wide range of laser wavelengths. We have been able to achieve a visible light transmission in excess of 70%, which means that our system allows the majority of the light through while providing protection without the need for heavily tinted industrial goggles. This allows pilots to more effectively see instruments and their surroundings, whilst simultaneously blocking the dangerous laser light.”
Changing technology–evolving technology–means the wavelength of readily available lasers may change as well. BAE notes that its system is adaptable and upgradable, hopefully keeping it up to date on new, potentially dangerous lasers.
All of this stems from reports of increased laser incidents around the world. In the UK, more than 1,400 such attacks were reported in 2015 alone, mostly affecting aircraft in the process of take-off or landing, as well as police helicopters. Since cheap, high-powered lasers are readily available online, often in handheld form, the potential for trouble has been ongoing.