Defence Online

Innovative app to end laser dazzle

Air December 6, 2016

Dstl scientists have developed an innovative new app which will help end laser attacks on planes.

With over 10,000 aircraft targeted by hand held lasers in the UK since 2009, it has become necessary to develop technology to halt this significant and growing threat to aviation safety. Up until now it has been difficult for authorities to secure convictions as evidence has been difficult to obtain, and detection equipment expensive, however the new Dstl app will change this.

Providing a low cost solution, which is easy and intuitive to use, the Laser Event Recorder app (LERapp) will aid the police in making arrests and prosecutions, it also helps pilots to take steps to prevent themselves from being dazzled. It could also be used in a wide range of non-aviation users, including car drivers and police officers.

Expected to be available by next summer, the app utilises inbuilt cameras, GPS and the connectivity of a pilot’s mobile phone to record, analyse and communicate the details of a laser dazzle event.

Profound Technologies will help Dstl develop and market the LERapp, through a contract signed using Dstl’s Easy Access IP contracting framework.

This is the first contract signed under the new system, which has been designed to help commercialise IP that is at a very early stage in its development or where there are significant financial risks and uncertainties. Easy Access IP allows companies to develop and refine the work at no cost, allowing Dstl to bring products to market that will benefit the economy and society that would otherwise not be available.

Commenting on the announcement the Dstl scientist who developed the LERapp, Craig Williamson, said: “The LERapp has the potential to significantly improve aviation safety. It is another example of the innovative and exciting work that Dstl is doing. Like much of our work, there are clear uses outside the military and security environments. The Easy Access IP scheme is a great opportunity to build new links with industry, and reflects our increasing openness to partnering and collaboration.”

Randall Fitzgerald, President, Profound Technologies added: “Profound Technologies is excited about the opportunity to commercialize and exploit the technology developed by Dstl. The Easy Access IP program levels the playing field for smaller entities with fewer resources to compete and enter the marketplace. We believe that the technology is much needed and our goal will be to make it an industry standard from a safety standpoint.”

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Dstl Easy Access IP contracting framework laser laser attacks LERapp pilots

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.