Here's a job we could be doing...instead of a drone.

[jpizzo127]

(We could probably do this cheaper and just as effectively)

Homeland Security drone patrolling NNY

Last Update: 6/18 2:14 pm 

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Unmanned aircraft deployed at Fort Drum (John Moore, NewsWatch50) A monitor inside an operations trailer shows a close-up view of a boat skimming across the water on Lake Ontario.

The image was taken from an unmanned aircraft more than three miles away.

A Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has been temporarily based at Fort Drum since early June in an experiment by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office.

The Department of Homeland Security is using the extensive restricted air space over Fort Drum to test whether the drone could be a good fit along this stretch of the northern border.

Video of a boat on Lake Ontario captured from 19,000 feet above (John Moore, NewsWatch50) U.S. Customs and Border Protection has five of the aircraft but so far none of them based permanently in the Northeast.

The Predator will operate out of Fort Drum for about three weeks for testing and training, and to evaluate its use to law enforcement.

John Stanton, director of CPB's Office of Air and Marine, said state, provincial and local law enforcement agencies were quick to take up the offer of added surveillance of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

"So while we were flying, we were asked by our partner law enforcement agencies if we would be kind enough to be on the lookout for suspicious activities," Stanton said.

The surveillance also includes the land border between the U.S. and Canada after the border peels away from the St. Lawrence River.

By flying in restricted air space at 19,000 feet, the Predator avoids lower-level air traffic, cutting the risk of collisions, Stanton said.

The aircraft is virtually identical to Predators used by the military, with the exception of lower-power engine and no weapons, he said.

[RiverAux]

Are you kidding?  Saying you've got your own Predator is always going to be much cooler than saying you've saved money by using CAP volunteers. 

[jpizzo127]

Maybe CAP should get Predator's then.

[jimmydeanno]

Not sure how that would help our public image...

 

[notaNCO forever]

I think the hair isn't regulation

[BrandonKea]

I think the hair isn't regulation

He'd just wear the polo...

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

I think the hair isn't regulation

He'd just wear the polo...

Probably makes height / weight 

[lordmonar]

I think the hair isn't regulation

He'd just wear the polo...

Probably makes height / weight 

Who would tell him if he doesn't?

[BrandonKea]

I think the hair isn't regulation

He'd just wear the polo...

Probably makes height / weight 

Who would tell him if he doesn't?

Sounds like Flight Officer duty!

[DC]

Isn't it hilarious how a discussion about how CAP could be saving CBP money (wow, that sounds like a Geico commercial... I'm looking for the little money dude now.) quickly dissolves into a uniform discussion?

Go CAP Talk! 

[es_g0d]

Ok then, DC, this should put us poignantly back on track:

PREDATORS ARE EVIL.  (As are all UAVs, and most of the bad guys in Governator flicks) 

[PHall]

The Preds have one big advantage over our Cessna's, they can fly for 12 hours at a stretch.
None of our pilots can hold their water that long...

[lordmonar]

The Preds have one big advantage over our Cessna's, they can fly for 12 hours at a stretch.
None of our pilots can hold their water that long...

Make that 22 hours and you would be closer.

CAP cannot do the MQ-1 mission cheaper.

To maintain a 22 hour coverage over a search area would take two aircraft with four crews EVERYDAY.

We could do it cheaper in the short run....but going 24-7 would not be possible.

[N Harmon]

Operating at FL190 for extended periods means lugging oxygen up with you. Add that weight to the sensors and you start cutting into the amount of fuel you can carry.

[SJFedor]

Operating at FL190 for extended periods means lugging oxygen up with you. Add that weight to the sensors and you start cutting into the amount of fuel you can carry.

Not to mention the service ceiling for most of our aircraft is well below FL190.