The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday withdrew special safety conditions it officially proposed earlier in the day that FedEx Express would need to meet in order to receive approval for installing a laser-emitting antimissile defense system on an aircraft.
The decision effectively puts on hold any review of FedEx’s plan for an onboard missile countermeasure. FedEx (NYSE: FDX) applied to the FAA in late 2019 for certification to modify the design of an Airbus A321 passenger plane to include the system. The FAA must issue a supplemental certification for any change to an approved aircraft design to ensure its airworthiness.
The agency said “further internal study” of the proposed conditions, such as precautions against accidental discharge on the ground and in-flight safety for aircrews and other aircraft, is necessary. The decision to postpone the proposal and collection of feedback from interested parties was made to avoid public confusion, it said.
FedEx doesn’t operate the A321 and is in the business of hauling cargo, not passengers.
FedE has not explained the specific reasons behind its desire for deploying an antimissile system, but it is generally seen as way to protect against portable missiles of the kind that terrorists could use. FedEx appears to be testing the concept rather than seeking a broad fleet deployment.
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