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Following a marked increase in the frequency of LASER illuminations - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Following a marked increase in the frequency of LASER illuminations - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Following a marked increase in the frequency of LASER illuminations in the UK a Steering Group was set up to consider the operational and safety impact on aviation and explore a response to the threat. The Steering Group Home Office Police NATS
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The Laser Threat
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
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What is the Threat?
The greatest threat to the safety of an aircraft from a LASER source is its ability to impair the vision of the crew and distract them from their duties at a critical stage of flight
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Who Presents the Threat?
So far, in the UK, the perpetrators who have been apprehended have largely been individuals with no intent to cause the endangerment or destruction of an aircraft They have little or no comprehension of the possible consequences of their actions
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LASER Induced Ocular Effects
Glare/Dazzle After Image Small Retinal Injury Haemorrhage
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LASER Induced Ocular Effects
Glare/Dazzle
Scattered LASER light obscures the image Disappears when LASER stops Exacerbated by dirty or wet windscreens etc Much more severe at night Any ‘night vision’ adaptation will be degraded
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LASER Induced Ocular Effects
After Image
Caused by saturation of retinal photoreceptors Persist from 1sec to several minutes after LASER stops, then recovers Recovery dependant upon brightness of exposure to LASER Severity of effect varies between individuals
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LASER Induced Ocular Effects
Small Retinal Injury
Permanent loss of a few photoreceptors in the retina Visual effect usually still negligible
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LASER Induced Ocular Effects
Haemorrhage
Large area of retina impaired/destroyed Can severely impair vision
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What is the Effect on Vision ?
Scattering and reflection inside the eye/sensor spreads LASER light across the image and obscures the scene behind it A LASER is sufficiently bright that weakly scattered or reflected components can easily be brighter than the scene that you are trying to see.
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Some Good News (from the Men in White Coats)
The hazards associated with the LASER threat, currently experienced by aviation are typically temporary, and of a glare/dazzle/after image level There is little or no hazard of retinal injury, at aircraft operating height & range, in relation to the current threat
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Threat Response
It was agreed by the Steering Group that a response to the threat was required covering in following key areas:
Education Tactics Training Reporting
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Threat Response ‐ Education
Reduce the impact of LASERs on
- perations by increasing the awareness
- f the threat within aviation
Re‐enforce the fact that permanent damage to vision does not likely exist from current threat Educate the public that LASERs are not toys and pose serious danger to aircraft
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News reports, aimed at the public, have been produced and broadcast on TV, Local Radio and the Internet by the BBC & GMTV You are now receiving an Information & Education presentation made for use by commercial aviation
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Threat Response ‐ Tactics
Consider the impact of a LASER strike
- n the cockpit
Develop cockpit drills (SOP’s) to negate, as much as possible, the effects
- f any LASER strike
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Tactics developed by Police Air Support Units have helped to negate/minimise the effects of any LASER illumination on themselves Commercial Operators should develop their own response to the threat
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Threat Response ‐ Training
Consider introducing the experience
- f LASER dazzle as part of training ‐
range or simulator based Test developed cockpit SOP’s as part of routine simulator or line training
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Police crews are much more aware of the threat from LASER illumination and practice evasion, detection and location of source locations. All Police crews will, at minimum, be exposed to LASER illumination through video presentation
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Threat Response ‐ Reporting
Report any LASER attack or activity to ATC as soon as possible Include (if possible) location, height, geographical location of LASER source or direction/distance from aircraft, duration & type of attack (deliberate or searching), colour, pulsed (flashing) or continuous Follow up the ATC report with an MOR
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All Police Air Support Units are establishing clear lines of communication with their local ATC to ensure a timely passage of information concerning any LASER activity. Once in place we aim to be made aware of an incident within 2 minutes.
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Why Bother Reporting? Nothing Ever Gets Done
Each report provides information that helps paint an accurate intelligence led picture of the problem From that picture, national and local strategies can be put in place to prevent
- r deter attacks and where possible,
detect and prosecute offenders Without a victim there is no crime!
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What Does the Future Hold?
Work is being carried out looking at aids to defence such as visors, filters and glasses A new offence is being written for submission outlawing the shining of a LASER or bright light at an aircraft A national co‐ordination of Police response to LASER attacks is in place in conjunction with the CAA & NATS
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Conclusion
The threat poses a danger to the safe
- peration of aircraft but little, or no