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- When I look at the CNN video here, I don't see the "laser" guiding the plane in as shown in the picture here:
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- Laser's are not big white lights.
Laser LightLaser light is very different from normal light. Laser light has the following properties:
- The light released is monochromatic. It contains one specific wavelength of light (one specific color). The wavelength of light is determined by the amount of energy released when the electron drops to a lower orbit.
- The light released is coherent. It is “organized” -- each photon moves in step with the others. This means that all of the photons have wave fronts that launch in unison.
- The light is very directional. A laser light has a very tight beam and is very strong and concentrated. A flashlight, on the other hand, releases light in many directions, and the light is very weak and diffuse.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/laser4.htm
- If a targeting laser was used, you probably wouldn't be able to see it. There are existing laser targeting systems that use infrared lasers.
invisible lasers invisible lasers invisible lasers invisible lasers
Northrop Grumman Laser System's GLTD II is a compact, lightweight, single man portable laser target designator and rangefinder. Developed to enable combat soldiers to direct laser-guided "smart" weapons, such as Hellfire missiles, Paveway glide bombs and Copperhead artillery munitions to laser illuminated targets. Now in service in 14 countries (11 NATO allies). Performance- Laser Type: Nd:YAG
- Wavelength: 1.064 micrometers
- Pulse Energy: > 80 millijoules
- Pulse-to-Pulse Stability: < 15%
- Beam Divergence: < 0.3 mrads @ 90% energy
- Boresight Retention: < 0.25 mrads
- Modes: Range and Mark (Designate)
http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/laser/ext/products/alats/alats-laserdesignators.htm
The prospect of anyone using a highly visible "white laser" for targeting is extremely unlikely given the fact that avoiding detection would be highly desirable and it is possible to do it with existing products using an invisible infrared laser.-Make7
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