Drones Pressed Into Search At Leakiest Border Stretch
The U.S. Border Patrol is deploying two remote-controlled airborne drones to help overwhelmed border agents protect a 220-mile stretch of the Arizona-Mexico border from illegal immigrants and potential terrorists.
The Hermes 450 drones, which are made in Israel and are used to patrol that country’s borders, are capable of staying airborne for up to 20 hours at a time, have a top speed of more than 100 mph, and are capable of cruising at altitudes of 12,000 to 15,000 feet.
The drones, which have a wingspan of 35 feet, are equipped with thermal and night-vision cameras capable of sensing movement to a range of 15 miles. The Homeland Security Department is leasing the drones until Sept. 30, after which it will evaluate what future role, if any, the drones will play in protecting the border.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (06/05/04); Rotstein, Arthur H.
