November 2, 2007

Missiles at the airport

Everyone knows that the security surrounding airports is super tight, but the fear for the authorities is out on the runway, this is a very vulnerable time for the plane while taxis around and eventually sits on the end of the runway waiting to go. But there is little that can be done to protect them, wrong there is something out there now and it is about to be installed at JFK International.

Skyguard is a laser missile defence protective shield made by Northrop Grumman, it sits at one end of the runway and can have a range of seven miles, and the shield will protect planes as they take off and land from missile attacks.

The Skyguard can protect against short and long range missiles, unmanned aircraft and even a cruise missile if necessary. The cost of this system is expected to reach around $40 million.

I can’t say that I am too impressed about this, missiles and airports are unlikely allies. You can also never be too sure about the reasoning behind things like this.

Source [Next Energy News]

Filed Under Travel