I think it's great that they're using them on both borders. But why did they pull this one off the southern border? They surely don't think the invasion from the south has slowed that much?

Drone patrols northern border
POSTED: December 7, 2008


FARGO, N.D. (AP) - After two failed tries, the first unmanned aircraft system to patrol the northern U.S. border successfully completed its flight from Arizona to North Dakota.

U.S Customs and Border Protection officials said the Predator B drone touched down at 1:28 p.m. EST Saturday at Grand Forks Air Force Base, after a six-hour flight from Libby Army Airfield in Sierra Vista, Ariz.

''It was a great day, actually, from takeoff to landing,'' said Michael Corcoran, deputy director for air operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine office in Grand Forks. ''It was a great flight.''

Earlier landings Thursday and Friday were postponed due to maintenance problems and the weather. Corcoran said customs and border officials were anxious for the arrival but weren't frustrated by the delays.

''We're certainly glad to have it here,'' he said.

The Predator weighs 5 tons, has a 66-foot wingspan and can fly undetected at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It can fly for up to 28 hours at a time, and will be equipped with sensors and radar.

The drone has been in use along the southern border with Mexico since 2005.
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/conte ... 19534.html