(CNN)FedEx wants to operate cargo planes outfitted with lasers that throw off incoming heat-seeking missiles, according to a newly published federal documents. 6park.com
In a filing Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration indicated FedEx had asked permission to add the missile-defense system. The agency said that the "FedEx missile-defense system directs infrared laser energy toward an incoming missile, in an effort to interrupt the missile's tracking of the aircraft's heat," according a Friday filing by the Federal Aviation Administration. 6park.com
There's reason for concern. In 2003, a surface-to-air missile slammed into the left wing of an Airbus A330 operating for DHL just after takeoff from Baghdad. The crew returned to the airport unharmed.