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Old 19th August 2003 | 14:37
  #23 (permalink)  
UNCTUOUS
 
Joined: Nov 1999
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UV Spoofing

There aren't that many long-range applications for UV lasers (i.e. no target illumination or laser range finding - they are mainly IR spectrum I think). However there are both pumped and electrical high power UV lasers in existence, some of which are portable. Power equates to range so I guess they'd have the required range.

The more likely contender is the UV searchlight because they are both commonplace and powerful. Their quoted detection range (for visible detection of a small man-size target) of about 1.5kms has nothing to do with the actual projectable range of the UV blacklight beam. That obviously goes a lot further - in fact probably out the outer limit of the 3nm outer engagement range of the SA-18.

Unless the LAIRCM operates against a specific batch of discriminable target missile type's UV signatures (i.e. if it's a broadband seeker), it is likely that the LAIRCM countrmeasure could be foiled by a combo IR/UV searchlight (as per the photo above). Scatter half a dozen around the approach/departure path to illuminate a potential target and you'll have red herrings aplenty. If the target airliner was LAIRCM equipped and the terrorists used IR/UV counter-counter measures, they would likely defeat the Northrop Grumman defence shield.

Might be a case of back to the drawing board.
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