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While the FAA has been working for several years on plans to allow drones to fly in U.S. airspace, the department has been reluctant to give a go-ahead because of the potential for mid-air collisions in the nation’s busy skies.
Originally posted by JROCK2527
reply to post by Camperguy
Quick get a rocket launcher and shoot it down before it gives away your position!!!!
The Guardian has been modified from a standard Predator B with structural, avionics, and communications enhancements, as well as the addition of a Raytheon SeaVue Marine Search Radar and an Electro-optical/Infrared Sensor that is optimized for maritime operations.
Raytheon considers its SeaVue expanded mission capability (XMC) radar, “a game changer for maritime domain awareness.” Brad Hopper, business development manager for marine surveillance products, said the key maritime radar challenge is detecting small targets like selfpropelled semi-submersibles in high seas, which the SeaVue has done at ranges of up to 55 nautical miles. Not only does the XMC upgrade make the SeaVue much easier to use, reducing workload and increasing efficiency, but it also can automatically detect thousands of targets, rather than the 100 to 500 detected by most maritime radars. Additionally, it correlates AIS and tracking data to sort out non-cooperating targets and conducts precision tracking, critical in crowded littoral regions where targets may criss-cross or hide behind other ships.
Originally posted by fah0436
In addition, Predators are designed to collect intelligence or conduct covert attacks.
They should not be flying over the U.S. without VERY special permission.
Originally posted by FurvusRexCaeli
Originally posted by fah0436
In addition, Predators are designed to collect intelligence or conduct covert attacks.
They should not be flying over the U.S. without VERY special permission.
Or for training, or maintenance, or testing, or because the pilots just want to get some hours in.
FAA resisting pressure to OK unmanned drones over U.S.
Marion Blakey, a former FAA administrator and president of the Aerospace Industries Association, whose members include unmanned aircraft developers, said the agency has been granting approvals on a case by case basis but the pace is picking up. She acknowledged that there are still safety concerns that need to be addressed before the planes can be used more widely.
Some concerns will be alleviated when the FAA moves from a radar-based air traffic control system to one based on GPS technology. Then, every aircraft will be able to advise controllers and other aircraft of their location continually. However, that's a decade off.
post by Camperguy ...
I thought we stopped using the U2s. Didn't we? Off to Google!
Originally posted by Camperguy
As of last summer it was still unauthorized by the FAA.
www.cleveland.com...
The Federal Aviation Administration has been asked to issue flying rights for a range of pilotless planes to carry out civilian and law-enforcement functions but has been hesitant to act.
Now if the government recently allows Predators to fly over populated areas (not border patrol) than it is " new, interesting,unique" and such. You think it would make news wouldnt you?
Being ex military I feel Predators, Reapers and their types have no reason to be flying over US citizens. If your cool with it, then good for you.
I'm cool with them flying over me. It's flying around me that I don't like