A United States Air Force (USAF) is facing a problem, unfortunately, common in aviation: the use of lasers against its aircraft. On Thursday (25), the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath Air Base, in England, issued a statement warning about the dangers and punishments for anyone caught lighting military planes.
In the statement, the unit's public affairs department asks for "the public's assistance regarding the dangers and legal consequences of pointing lasers at military aircraft," saying that recent incidents have raised "significant concerns."
The USAF calls the action “lasing” and says the act is a serious threat to flight safety.
//For Immediate release// Public Warned Against the Dangers of Lasing Fighter Aircraft in Flight pic.twitter.com/BV4wAYZoN1
ADVERTISING — RAF Lakenheath (@48FighterWing) January 25, 2024
The Air Force also states that pointing lights at aircraft endangers not only the crews – who may suffer short- to long-term vision problems – but also the population living “in towns, cities and houses below the sea level.” approach corridor” of the base, becoming “a critical problem that affects the safe operation of aircraft [flying] at low altitude.”
According to data from the US Federal Aviation istration, 51.983 thousand laser attacks have been recorded against aircraft since 2016. The highest number in the historical series was ed last year, with more than 13 thousand occurrences. "Intentionally pointing lasers at aircraft poses a threat to pilot safety and violates federal law. Too many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that can carry hundreds of engers.”, points out the agency.
According to aerotime hub A 2018 bill provides the following legal punishments for pointing lasers at aircraft.
- in England and Wales: prison sentence not exceeding 12 months, fine or both;
- in Scotland: prison sentence not exceeding 12 months, fine not exceeding the legal maximum, or both;
- in Northern Ireland: a prison sentence not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding the legal maximum, or both;
- conviction on charge: prison sentence not exceeding five years, fine or both.
Located in the county of Suffolk and built during the Second World War, the Lakenheath base belongs to the British Royal Air Force. However, the space is used by the United States military, managed by the 48th Fighter Wing. The facility houses four combat squadrons, equipped with F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers and 5th generation jets. F-35A Lightning II.
