Laser used in strikes on biplane in NZ among the most powerful in the world

Monday, 27 April 2026

The modified laser used by Dean Charles Smith on a biplane being flown near Twizel in January 2026.

The laser fired on a biplane twice is claimed to be “the world’s most powerful blue hand-held laser” that has been “engineered for extreme performance”, and offers “extreme burning”.

Concerns are growing in New Zealand about the ability of 61-year-old engineer Dean Charles Smith to purchase, import, modify, and use the laser in two separate strikes on the aircraft being flown near his Twizel property.

When police and a Civil Aviation Authority investigator raided Smith’s property in January they recovered a modified Sanwu 7.5 watt laser sitting on an outdoor table.

The company’s website says the laser, called The Striker, can ignite paper, wood, and other materials almost instantly, adding a warning to operate with extreme caution to avoid fire hazards, eye damage, or accidents.

“Safety glasses, and responsible use, are mandatory,” the website says.

A 7.5-watt hand-held Sanwu laser similar to the one modified by Dean Charles Smith and used to point at planes flying near his Twizel property in January 2026.

Smith had modified the laser, adding a pistol-style grip, along with a red dot sight.

On April 14, he pleaded guilty to two Civil Aviation Act charges of using the laser “in a manner that caused unnecessary danger” to the pilot, on January 4 and January 18.

The offences carry a maximum sentence of five years jail and a $300,000 fine, according to the police summary of facts.

The Ministry of Health is responsible for issuing permits for the importation of lasers with more than 1 milliwatt of power. Smith’s laser was 7.5 watts, making it 7000 times more powerful than 1mW.

Chris Rudge, the pilot of the Grumman Ag-Cat biplane hit by strikes, said it was “probably the most powerful laser ever used against an aircraft in New Zealand”.

“And I think on a world scale, it would be right up there at the top.

Red Cat Biplane Flights owner and pilot Chris Rudge says he is shocked to think that powerful lasers can actually be imported into New Zealand, and then used on an aircraft.

“So that’s pretty serious because that puts it right up at the top end of offending.

“You don’t use it inside because it can set fire to your house if you had it pointed in the wrong direction …”

Rudge described the strikes being like an arc welding flash, saying they could cause permanent eye damage from a distance of 700m away.

He said he was shocked to think something like that can actually be imported into New Zealand, and then used on an aircraft.

A still shot of one of the videos taken by Rudge of the laser strikes on his aircraft in the Twizel area.

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) has welcomed Smith’s conviction.

NZALPA president Andrew McKeen, an international 787 pilot, said that the association was alarmed at the reported strength of the device, and wonders what would possess anyone to deliberately point it toward an aircraft.

McKeen said they would expect the full force of the law to be considered in sentencing as a deterrent to others.

A CAA spokesperson also expressed concern about the misuse of the laser and the serious risk they posed to aviation safety.

One of the two two-passenger seat Grumman Ag-Cat planes operated by Red Cat Biplane Flights from the Pukaki Airport on the outskirts of Twizel.

“Direct eye exposure to a laser beam can impact a pilot’s vision which could disorientate, or affect their ability to fly the aircraft safely, which can have significant consequences.”

The CAA said it does not regulate the sale or importation of laser devices.

“Decisions about restricting or banning these products, including import controls, sit with other government agencies.”

Customs NZ declined to comment on whether it was investigating how the laser was able to enter the country, citing the case was still before the court with Smith on bail, awaiting sentencing on June 10.

However, the police summary of facts says Smith himself “expressed surprise that the laser device had been able to pass through New Zealand Customs, given how powerful and potentially dangerous it was”.

“The defendant stated that he used the laser in this manner because he wanted it to act as a deterrent to the aircraft to not fly near his property,” the summary says.

“He commented that had he known the laser was that effective, he would not have done it.”

A Customs spokesperson said “speaking generally, high-powered laser pointers are restricted items, meaning they require a permit to be imported”.

Customs said it uses a risk-based approach which targets high-risk travellers and goods, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

“We use a range of tools and technologies to screen, and select cargo for examination.

“When prohibited items are identified, whether at the border or later, Customs uses that information to inform future investigations and/or make referrals to partners such as police.”