X-URL: http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/02/11/l...emo/index.html



WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military is planning a final demonstration
Friday night of a ground-based laser system designed to warn pilots
who have flown into restricted airspace over the nation's capital.

During the demonstration of the Visual Warning System, a test aircraft
will be illuminated with alternating red and green laser lights,
said Michael Kucharek, spokesman for the North American Aerospace
Defense Command.

"It's an attention-getter, but it's not blinding," Kucharek said.
"It's not a distraction. So pilots can still focus on flying the
aircraft without endangering anyone or themselves."

NORAD is looking for a cheaper, safer way to let pilots know they've
strayed into restricted airspace over Washington.

Currently, fighter jets are scrambled and either intercept unauthorized
planes or alert them by dropping flares.

"That's a very costly kind of operation," Kucharek said. "With the
Visual Warning System, we wouldn't necessarily have to go to those
extremes to get their attention."

A NORAD press release says the lasers are "eye-safe and non-hazardous
at all ranges" and are distinct from other light signals used by
air traffic control of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Kucharek said the laser would not be visible to other aircraft in
the test area or to residents on the ground.

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This out to be ....interesting... to say the least.


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