LAPD Flight Deck Test: NoIR GlareShields vs 70mW Green Laser

NoIR GlareShield™ Laser Safety glasses are shown to be effective against malicious laser illuminations in tests by pilots with the Los Angeles Police Department.

In as many as 3 incidents in early July, 2011, LAPD Air Support Division helicopter crews were intentionally and maliciously illuminated or 'hit' by intense green lasers from the ground. In prior incidents of laser attacks, pilots were forced to divert from the immediate air space. But while flight testing the GlareShield™ safety glasses, air crew members reported the effects of the laser hits as significantly diminished, and were able to remain on the scene to continue enforcement actions. The officers in the air successfully identified and directed ground officers to the location of the laser sources, and in several cases, arrests were made and lasers confiscated.

The 30-200mW green lasers used against the LAPD pilots did not present risk of eye-injury at the illumination distances of greater than 200 meters, but the perception of possible injury, along with the dazzle and flash blinding effect usually causes pilots to disengage. Yet, as one LAPD crew member reported, the GlareShield™ glasses "performed beyond my expectations. The glasses allowed me to take a direct hit from the laser with no effects."

Music: Kids with Guns (Quiet Village Remix) — The Gorillaz

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• police
• laser
• cops
• crime
• helicopter
• goggles