U.S. explores anti-missile scheme for flight zones

Eye in the skyU.S. researchers are exploring the use of laser or infrared systems to protect not just single planes but whole flight zones from attack by shoulder-launched missiles, a top government scientist said on Thursday.

Starnes Walker, director of research at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's science and technology directorate, said tests had shown that high-altitude platforms could detect the launch of such missiles, but there were huge scientific challenges in diverting them off-target.

He said that while there were no quick solutions, the potential benefits were large because existing technology to kit out individual planes against the missiles, known as Manpads, is hugely expensive for airlines.

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