New app will track laser louts
A new app for mobile devices has been developed that aims to help air crews to pinpoint the source of laser attacks.
A new app for mobile devices has been developed that aims to help air crews to pinpoint the source of laser attacks. Created by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) in the UK, the app analyses laser dazzle events, using an iPhone’s built-in camera, GPS and connectivity to record, analyse and communicate details of an incident. The aim is that the information produced can help police officer’s on the ground to arrest and prosecute offenders. The app can be modified for use on Android phones and other platforms, said DSTL.
An executive agency sponsored by the UK Ministry of Defence, DSTL has signed an agreement with Profound Technologies to develop and market the Laser Event Recorder app (LERapp). The LER app is expected to be available in the summer of 2017.
Craig Williamson, the DSTL scientist who developed LERapp, explained: “The LERapp has the potential to significantly improve aviation safety. It is another example of the innovative and exciting work that DSTL is doing. Like much of our work, there are clear uses outside the military and security environments. The Easy Access IP scheme is a great opportunity to build new links with industry, and reflects our increasing openness to partnering and collaboration.”
Randall Fitzgerald, president of Profound Technologies, added: “We believe that the technology is much needed and our goal will be to make it an industry standard from a safety standpoint.”
DSTL noted that since 2009, over 10,000 aircraft in the UK alone have been targeted by hand-held lasers. However, said the organisation, it is often difficult to obtain evidence to secure a conviction and existing laser detection equipment is expensive.