Air Force plans Maui laser tests

Air Force plans Maui laser tests

KIHEI, Maui — The U.S. Air Force will begin testing a laser-imaging system from the skies above Maui next month in hopes of using the technology on unmanned aircraft to more efficiently collect information on enemy forces.

A final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact have been released, calling for up to 160 test flights over a 3 1/2-year period using a manned Twin Otter airplane, which would carry an invisible "eye-safe" laser-imaging system designed to covertly illuminate night scenes.

Michelle Hedrick, an engineer with the Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, said analysis shows there will not be a significant impact on Maui's environment and, therefore, flight testing is scheduled to begin Jan. 4.

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Air Force plans Maui laser tests