Untitled Document
HONEYWELL is developing a micro flying spy drone -- that would be used
for civilian law enforcement!
The device, a hovering robot carrying video cameras and other sensors, is being
created and tested at HONEYWELL's Albuquerque, NM plant.
The first round of testing on the drone [MICRO AIR VEHICLE] has been completed,
reports Bob Martin of CBS affiliate KRQE.
The battery powered craft can stay in the air for 50-60 minutes at a time,
and moves around at up to 55 kilometers an hour.
The Micro Air Vehicle has flown more than 200 successful flights, including
flying in a representative urban environment.
"If there is an emergency, you could provide "eyes" on whatever
the emergency is, for police or Homeland Security," explains Vaughn Fulton
of HONEYWELL.
In the meantime, the U.S. Army has prepared a promotional video showing the
craft zooming over war-zone streets.
Drones have been given to the military to test during training exercises.
"It has the same system most fighter jets would have," explains Fulton.
The vehicle will be used for reconnaissance, security and target acquisition
operations in open, rolling, complex and urban terrain; it will be equipped
with Global Positioning Satellite.
HONEYWELL and government officials are meeting to discuss the status of the
project.
Troops in Iraq could get the craft in a year or two.
The spy drone would be deployed for domestic use shortly thereafter.
