U.S. warns of terrorist lasersPilot group: Increase in laser incidents
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Terrorists may seek to down aircraft by shining powerful lasers into cockpits to blind pilots during landing approaches, U.S. officials warned in a bulletin distributed nationwide.
The memo, sent by the FBI and the Homeland Security Department, says there is evidence that terrorists have explored using lasers as weapons.
There is no specific intelligence indicating al Qaeda or other groups might use lasers in the United States, they added."Although lasers are not proven methods of attack like improvised explosive devices and hijackings, terrorist groups overseas have expressed interest in using these devices against human sight," the memo said.
"In certain circumstances, if laser weapons adversely affect the eyesight of both pilot and co-pilot during a non-instrument approach, there is a risk of airliner crash," the agencies said.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/09/terrorist.laser.ap/index.htmlWell, it appears Al-Qaeda is now joining favors with Dr. Evil. Perhaps they can use the "lasers" to demand 100 billion dollars!