I guess the only practical application for this would be as a "superchaff" in waaay Beyond Visual Range combat, when you're damn sure you're out of range of infrared missiles. Even that's debatable, because if the limiting factor for IR missiles is the sensor and not the fuel load, then you're screwed anyway.
It would be fun to see a Sidewinder trying to play whac-a-mole with a whole squadron turning those things on and off randomly, though.
On the other hand, more info on the Qantas A380. That 380 had the spirit of a Flying Fortress.