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| US F-15 Lakenheath crew 'disorientated' after laser targeting | US F-15 Lakenheath crew 'disorientated' after laser targeting |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The crew of a US fighter jet were "momentarily disorientated" when a laser beam was directed at the plane as it landed in Suffolk. | The crew of a US fighter jet were "momentarily disorientated" when a laser beam was directed at the plane as it landed in Suffolk. |
| The US Air Force confirmed the beam was pointed at one of its F-15 Strike Eagle jets as it approached RAF Lakenheath on Wednesday night. | |
| A spokeswoman said although the green light did not hit any of the crew in the eyes they were temporarily disorientated. | A spokeswoman said although the green light did not hit any of the crew in the eyes they were temporarily disorientated. |
| The jet landed safely, she said. | The jet landed safely, she said. |
| More on this and other stories from Suffolk | More on this and other stories from Suffolk |
| "The aircrew saw what they recognised to be a laser reflecting off the aircraft. | "The aircrew saw what they recognised to be a laser reflecting off the aircraft. |
| "If you can imagine a laser pointer, that's what our aircrew saw, only it was amplified in intensity and size," the spokeswoman said. | "If you can imagine a laser pointer, that's what our aircrew saw, only it was amplified in intensity and size," the spokeswoman said. |
| Directing a laser at a jet could cause a plane to crash resulting in casualties not just to the crew but to members of the public on the ground, she warned. | Directing a laser at a jet could cause a plane to crash resulting in casualties not just to the crew but to members of the public on the ground, she warned. |
| The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said targeting military aircraft with lasers was "rare", but added: "Such attacks jeopardise flight safety and are a civil offence. | |
| "These events are recorded and reported to the civilian police for action." | |
| 'Dazzle or distract' | |
| Between January 2009 and June 2015 more than 8,998 laser incidents were reported to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. | Between January 2009 and June 2015 more than 8,998 laser incidents were reported to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. |
| How dangerous are lasers to planes? | How dangerous are lasers to planes? |
| Last month a Virgin Atlantic flight heading to New York turned back to London Heathrow Airport after a laser beam was shone into the cockpit. | Last month a Virgin Atlantic flight heading to New York turned back to London Heathrow Airport after a laser beam was shone into the cockpit. |
| The airline said it was a "precautionary measure" after the co-pilot reported feeling unwell. | The airline said it was a "precautionary measure" after the co-pilot reported feeling unwell. |
| Under article 222 of the Air Navigation Order 2009 offenders can charged with "shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot". | Under article 222 of the Air Navigation Order 2009 offenders can charged with "shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot". |
| Between 2010 and 2014, 199 people were convicted of the offence in the UK. | Between 2010 and 2014, 199 people were convicted of the offence in the UK. |
| It is not an offence to possess a laser, but the National Police Air Service wants stronger laws in the UK to crack down on the purchase and use of lasers. | It is not an offence to possess a laser, but the National Police Air Service wants stronger laws in the UK to crack down on the purchase and use of lasers. |