Missile Defense Systems to Be Tested on JFK Jets

January 5th, 2008 · No Comments - by John -

American Airlines Passenger planes at JFK will be outfitted with a new missile defense system. Gothamist tells us:

The Dept. of Homeland Security is funding the installation of a number of anti-missile defense systems on commercial jets flying in and out of JFK Airport. The tests are the third stage of testing of a system that is already used by military aircraft. The defense system consists of equipment affixed to the bottom of the aircraft that electronically jams the heat-seeking component of shoulder filed missiles. The latter are referred to as man portable air defense systems, or MANPADs. The current test of the anti-MANPAD systems on jets is to see how the equipment holds up on the real world operating conditions of a commercial jet.

Could missile defense systems soon be mandated for cruise ships and is this something the industry would welcome or reject? The airline industry has strong opinions on the subject:

American Airlines contends that money would be better spent physically securing the approach and departure zones around the nation’s airports.

Read More over at Gothamist and Engadget and for more missile tech news read “Japan to attempt missile intercept in space from ship off Hawaii”

About The Author

Captain John Konrad is co-founder of Unofficial Networks and Editor In Chief of this blog. He is a USCG licensed Master Mariner of Unlimited Tonnage and, since graduating from SUNY Maritime College, has sailed a variety of ships from ports around the world. He currently lives in Morro Bay, California with his wife and two children.
Full Profile: John

Enjoy this story? Subscribe to or feed