American scientists have created a laser device that is capable of protecting aircraft from heat-seeking missiles.
A gadget the size of a DVD player sends a high-energy infrared beam towards the pursuer, which heats the rocket's thermal sensor and thereby blinds him, as it were. The projectile becomes confused and loses its main purpose - the engine and exhaust. Then the aircraft must make a sharp turn or perform another air maneuver in order to finally escape from defeat.
The difference from similar missile defense means is that the laser emits a beam at several wavelengths at once, covering the entire infrared spectrum.
Another method is to emit thermal reflectors, but their supply on board is limited. Large aircraft (such as those made by Boeing) simply detonate a rocket with a laser, but this technology is not suitable for small aircraft.
The new laser is small enough to fit on board any aircraft. It will most likely go on sale in 2011. By that time, the University of Michigan staff will try to make the device even smaller and the laser even more powerful. The first to receive it are not airplanes, but helicopters.
