> We're hunting for stolen vehicles using the LAPD's new tech toy: a digital license plate reader.

I'm somewhat surprised that this only now coming into use. We noticed the technology back in the mid-1990s when the receipts printed out at the IAD long-term parking lot started carrying license plate numbers. (There was a camera looking at the back of cars at the check-out gate.) AFAIK, this is just a specialized use of OCR technology.

Posted by: Hot Wheels at March 1, 2006 01:46 PM

Unguided RPGs rely on the "900 foot self destruct" trick. But after the SEALS got shot down in Afghanistan-inside a specops chopper inevitably equipped with all sorts of doodads, I am prepared to agree that RPG-7 is still a threat to aircraft.

It will work against state entities like say, Iran. Or against anyone who wants to use a MANPAD, though a RPG can be trained against ground targets when the going gets rough. Oh well, until we get a portable "sentry gun" on a chopper...

Posted by: Charles at March 1, 2006 12:44 AM

>Army helos still undefended

As eDefense writer mentions at last, there are threats of unguided RPGs. Soviet Union suffered in Afghanistan for attacks by Taliban against helicopters by these. The warning system to be added would not be enough.

Posted by: pedestrian at February 28, 2006 11:00 PM