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UK: UPDATED - BAE Systems developing laser-reducing film for pilots; lab tests successful

Aerospace and defense contractor BAE Systems is developing a film to block laser light from pilots and cockpits.

According a September 12 2017 BAE press release, a “series of successful laboratory trials have proven our method is effective against a wide range of laser wavelengths.”

BAE researchers told LaserPointerSafety.com: “The film, when installed can be programmed with a number of critical wavelengths (typically three). This film can be upgraded at a later date by either replacing it entirely or adding on a new layer retrospectively to give protection against a new or emerging threat.”

They noted that the film has been measured as having 70% visible light transmission in a multi-wavelength blocking configuration.

The BAE film may be similar in general concept to another film from Metamaterial Technologies Inc. which has been tested by Airbus and is entering the production and deployment stages.

More information about anti-laser windscreen film in general and the MTI version specifically is here.

A press release from BAE is printed below. BAE also made available a graphic with similar information; click the blue “Click to read more…” link to see these.

UPDATED September 13 2017 We reached out to BAE for additional details about their film; answers are after the press release and graphic.
From a September 12 2017 press release from BAE Systems:

Our engineers develop novel technology to protect pilots from laser attacks

Using a novel approach, the technique is selective in the way it prevents laser transmission, meaning a high level of natural light can still pass through the canopy with minimal colour distortion. As a result, pilots are protected from dangerous laser incidents with no deterioration in vision.

Laser attacks targeting pilots and air crews are becoming a major concern, with the CAA reporting more than 1,400 laser attacks on UK aircraft in 2015 alone. Most reported attacks took place during take-off and landing, or on hovering police helicopters, and are carried out using cheap, high-powered handheld devices that are readily available on the internet. The attacks can distract pilots and flight crew, obscure instruments and dials, and cause short-lived ‘flash’ blindness or even permanent eye damage.

BAE Systems Executive Scientist, Dr Leslie Laycock said: “Lasers operate at specific wavelengths. A series of successful laboratory trials have proven our method is effective against a wide range of laser wavelengths. We have been able to achieve a visible light transmission in excess of 70%, which means that our system allows the majority of the light through while providing protection without the need for heavily tinted industrial goggles. This allows pilots to more effectively see instruments and their surroundings, whilst simultaneously blocking the dangerous laser light.”

BAE Systems Research Engineer, Daniel Black said: “Having seen laser attacks on pilots reported in the news, I have spent a number of years working to find an effective solution to combat this problem. Ideas are often spawned in unlikely places; this idea was conceived whilst on holiday watching a 3D film. Rather than watching the film I looked at the way 3D glasses form an image by blocking light. I then started to piece together a way of creating a very specific filter that is capable of blocking harmful laser light while maintaining excellent visibility.”

As technology advances, the wavelength of proliferated lasers may change. Due to the adaptability of this technology, pilots will continue to be protected as the film can simply be upgraded and selectively tuned to combat new laser threats. The next phase of development will see experimentation and commercialisation within the public sector.

(Graphic; click to enlarge:)


RS63602_BAE Systems Laser Protection for Pilots LPP_300dpi-scr


UPDATED September 13 2017 — BAE’s Daniel Black and Dr Leslie Laycock have responded to emailed questions from LaserPointerSafety.com.

Q: The “flexible system” referred to is a film, is that correct?


A:
That is correct, the system is both flexible in application but additionally is comprised of a thin film.

Q: The film is completely passive, correct?


A:
The film is totally passive meaning it does not require power and does not have a response time. This means that it is always ‘on’ and always providing the maximum protection without any user input.

Q: The press release stated "the film can simply be upgraded and selectively tuned to combat new laser threats." If the film is passive, I assume this means that older film is discarded and new film -- with different tuning -- is installed. Is this correct?


A:
The film, when installed can be programmed with a number of critical wavelengths (typically three). This film can be upgraded at a later date by either replacing it entirely or adding on a new layer retrospectively to give protection against a new or emerging threat.

Q: What is(are) the target surface(s) for film installation? Is it for aircraft windscreens, for eyewear, etc.?


A: Due to the scalability, cost effectiveness and durability of this technology, it can be applied to large areas such as canopies or windscreens.

Q: Airbus is already testing an anti-laser film. How does your film differ (advantages and disadvantages) from the Metamaterial Technologies Inc. "metaAIR" film being tested by Airbus?


A: [Not answered]

Q: How many wavelengths typically would the film protect against? As wavelengths are added, does this reduce the visible light transmission (VLT) as with current dye and thin film technologies?


A: The film can be programmed to protect against a number of wavelengths simultaneously. We have measured a 70% VLT in a multi-wavelength configuration.

Q: Can the film simultaneously protect against 532 nm and 520 nm light without adversely affecting pilots' perception of green wavelengths such as green airport lights?


A: Due to the sensitive nature of laser attacks on commercial aircraft, we are not able to comment on specific wavelengths.

Q: The "Laserproof Cockpits" graphic states at bottom left that "Results of attacks include ... even permanent eye damage." Can you list some or all of the permanent eye damage cases to which you are referring? (I ask because FAA, CAA and three prominent UK laser safety experts have all said that there are no documented or proven cases of permanent eye damage to civil aviation pilots from persons on the ground aiming laser pointers at them.) Any additional information about what BAE means or what BAE is referring to would be helpful.


A: Research conducted internally has shown a ‘high probability’ of eye damage occurring from readily available high power laser pointers at a number of ranges.

Q: Do you have any timetable -- even approximate -- for the following events: 1) Availability of film samples for third-parties such as laser safety experts to test, 2) Production of large (window-sized) film, 3) Testing on a flying aircraft with lasers aimed from the ground, 4) Deployment on aircraft


A: Very hard to say. We hope to have further announcements in the coming year.