re: Lasers as a terrorist weapon

Space/Science » in reply to Lasers as a terrorist weapon

Larry J — 9/30/2004 5:37:14 PM (archived)

I think you're overestimating the power requirement. I've scanned some of the documents relating to military laser target designators. All of them discuss the possibility of eye damage if you shine them in someone's face. From what I've read, it only take a watt or so to cause at least temporary dazzling or damage. A small laser, probably less than 10 watts, aimed with a rifle sight might be enough to do the trick, depending on how much of the light penetrates the cockpit windshield.

The whole thread (16 posts)

Lasers as a terrorist weapon - R.L. - 9/30/2004 4:36:52 AM
- Much more detailed article on Utah incident - R.L. - 9/30/2004 8:02:48 PM
  - You can bet anyone using LIDAR in that area is getting questioned! - R.L. - 10/1/2004 5:42:09 AM
- More on the Utah laser incident - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:04:00 PM
- re: Lasers as a terrorist weapon - Larry J - 9/30/2004 5:37:14 PM
  - You could buy a laser that could cause eye damage farly cheaply - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:23:10 PM
  - The issue isnt power, but power density - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:12:46 PM
    - A sure kill like you describe wouldn't be necessary - Larry J - 10/1/2004 12:04:36 AM
      - No, maybe not neccessary, but... - R.L. - 10/1/2004 3:40:57 AM
  - Watts up Larry? - et - 9/30/2004 5:46:29 PM
    - Yeah... - SDAI-Tech1 - 9/30/2004 8:02:26 PM
- Laser injures Delta pilot's eye - Jack Herer - 9/30/2004 2:15:10 PM
  - re: Laser injures Delta pilot's eye - korte - 10/17/2004 4:27:18 PM
    - Tornadoes are hard to pilot.... - R.L. - 10/18/2004 3:53:53 AM
  - Homework assignment Jack. - et - 9/30/2004 5:48:30 PM
  - First, this was discussed below - R.L. - 9/30/2004 5:08:10 PM

Recent posts

On this day in Space/Science

The whole thread (16 posts)