Aerospace

Why FedEx is seeking approval for an anti-missile system on its cargo planes

FedEx plans to equip some of its cargo planes with laser technology to keep off incoming heat-seeking missiles.

The action was taken in response to a threat regarding the aircraft’s heat tracking. An Airbus A330 belonging to DHL was struck by a surface-to-air missile in 2003 shortly after it took off from Baghdad. The crew made a safe return to the airport. “In recent years, in several incidents abroad, civilian aircraft were fired upon by man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS),” stated the document from the FAA.

The proposal also addresses possible safety issues because infrared laser radiation may pose a risk to individuals inside the aircraft, outside of it, or in another aircraft. Furthermore, infrared laser energy is undetectable to the human eye, which raises risks.

In response to the concerns raised, the FAA issued a list of requirements, one of which was that the design must prevent “inadvertent operation of the system” while the aircraft is on the ground, including during maintenance.

In addition, a lot of businesses have created and designed systems that can be modified to use a laser-based missile defense system that can deflect heat-seeking missiles by aiming infrared energy in their direction in an attempt to stop the missile from tracking the aircraft’s heat.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.