Thread: Unmanned Aircraft Aid Border Security Operations

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program:

Unmanned Aircraft Aid Border Security Operations

CBP Air and Marine Acquires Additional Predator B Aircraft

C.B.P.News Release

Unmaned Air Systems

UAS Overview

(02/17/2009)CBP A&M currently operates five Predator B UAS’s; four from the UAS Operations Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and one from the UAS Operations Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. One additional UAS is at General Atomics for modification and upgrading for deployment as a maritime variant. These unique systems provide CBP with a remotely piloted asset that allows for persistent, broad area surveillance of our Nation’s borders and coastlines. These operations are proactive responses to un-cued, cued, and intelligence based threats.

Predator B Operations
The Predator B provides the unique capabilities to carry a variety of operational payloads and fly for extended periods of time without requiring the support systems and limitations of on board pilots. It has the flexibility and endurance to fly long leg surveillance missions while conducting both scheduled and unscheduled searches. As a law enforcement force multiplier for CBP, the UAS allows CBP A&M to extend future support for other DHS entities, including the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Predator B capabilities include:

Long duration of flight, up to 30 hours
Dash speed of 250 knots
High-altitude flight, up to 50,000 feet
Payload, nearly 3000 lbs of sensors for land and water surveillance/tracking

CBP Predator Bs have flown more than 1500 flight hours in support of border security missions and contributed to the seizure of more than 15,000 pounds of marijuana and the apprehension of more than 4,000 illegal aliens.

CBP Predator B’s are equipped with multi-spectral targeting system (MTS-B) manufactured by Raytheon and lynx synthetic aperture radar (SAR) manufactured by GA-ASI.

Department of
Homeland Security
USA.gov

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_secur ... erview.xml

This just doesn't satisfy me. I would be happier if Predator B would have the capability of using air-range long distance stun-guns.