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I really think that the US should legalize marijuana. Let people grow their own or sell it just like we treat alcohol. That would take a lot of money out of the hands of cartels and would free us up money to focus on hard drugs and crushing the cartels. We can't keep this failed drug policy and risk having Mexico turn into a failed state or a naro state, that would be a huge economic and national security threat to the US.
If Mexico is involved at all, can this be good. I don't trust a thing they say or a thing they do. Has to be a reason for this, but most likely not a good reason.
It was a 2 meter radio controlled plane, albeit a sophisticated one but it isn't a predator if that is what you are thinking.
Actually I found the Israeliweapons.com site fascinating, as apparently you have to be a member to view their launch systems, naval equipment or space systems. However casual users can buy a tank if you like with paypal. Schweeeeet if you are in the market for a tank.
For the Israeli made stuff you have to pay international shipping, but for items of American origin, apparently you can find their booth at a flea market, outside Congressional offices and near US military bases at cut rate discount prices.
There is just a certain irony in Mexico using Israeli drones along the Mexican border, and would be even more ironic if the drones were of US origin.
There is just a certain irony in Mexico using Israeli drones along the Mexican border, and would be even more ironic if the drones were of US origin.
"Holloway said the aircraft that crossed into U.S. airspace is a mini orbiter unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Aeronautics Defense System." More info here: Orbiter Mini UAV by Aeronautics Defense Systems
"Aeronautics Ltd. is one of Israel's largest defense corporations, and second largest unmanned systems provider. With core technologies in the areas of C4I, navigation, communication, and electro-optics, Aeronautics offers its customers a full spectrum of superior unmanned systems. Headquartered in Yavne, Aeronautics is a $200 million business with 700 employees worldwide."
Operational Ceiling (AGL) 500 - 2000 Feet
LOS Data Link Range 15 Km
* Mini ground directional antenna (Optional) 30 Km
* GDT (Ground Data Terminal) (Optional) 80 Km
Operational Speed 30*-*70 Knots
Max Speed 70 Knots
Max Operational Altitude (ASL) 18,000 Feet
Max*Payload Weight 1.5 Kg (3.3 Lb)
Endurance 3*-*4 Hours
The Mexican Air Force's offensive capability (as opposed to transport/support) is 10 old F-5 fighters, 6 Black Hawks, and 20 smaller combat capable helicopters.
We don't know if this intrusion was detected by either civilian ATC or Biggs ATC - but no - we don't have an immediate response SAM system to shoot down incursions along the land borders or coasts. El Paso has busy airspace with the civilian airport, Biggs Army Airfield, & the Juarez airport. Through agreement, airliners using El Paso's Runway 4 fly over Mexico on takeoff then bank back in to the US. Small planes from both countries fly along the border & Rio Grande with some minor incursions on both sides.
I am surprised that cartels have not yet utilized trebuchets to launch their drug bundles across the border. The record trebuchet pumpkin chuck is just under 1/2 mile.
I am surprised that cartels have not yet utilized trebuchets to launch their drug bundles across the border. The record trebuchet pumpkin chuck is just under 1/2 mile.
They could just use these drones. The one I linked to above has a payload of 37 kg (more if you fly with less fuel). For a short flight across the border to your waiting friends on the other side 37kg of drugs is a good day's haul. You could even do multiple flights per day. If the drone is caught no pilot is thrown in jail and the cost of a drone is insignificant to these guys.
We don't know if this intrusion was detected by either civilian ATC or Biggs ATC - but no - we don't have an immediate response SAM system to shoot down incursions along the land borders or coasts. El Paso has busy airspace with the civilian airport, Biggs Army Airfield, & the Juarez airport. Through agreement, airliners using El Paso's Runway 4 fly over Mexico on takeoff then bank back in to the US. Small planes from both countries fly along the border & Rio Grande with some minor incursions on both sides.
I am surprised that cartels have not yet utilized trebuchets to launch their drug bundles across the border. The record trebuchet pumpkin chuck is just under 1/2 mile.
I'd bet dollars for donuts the drug runners are already using similar means. Seriously consider how hard it would be to detect a 2-3 meter lightweight UAV made from things like carbon fiber or even balsa for that matter. The cost of using even remotely sophisticated ones would be a drop in the bucket compared to profits. If it is shot down or captured, no problem all you lost was the payload, none of your buddies ends up in prison and Jose the model builder cranks out three more in the meantime.
Does the military even investigate a faint here now gone now blip in places like Texas or Arizona? I bet a flying wing design 2-3 meter balsa plane probably doesn't even show up on most civilian radars, and certainly not if it is flying below 1000 feet.
A spokesman for NORAD, which is responsible for the aerial defense of the United States, said that it had real-time awareness of the situation but that it was not deemed to be a threat and did not require any NORAD response.
NORAD said the Federal Aviation Administration and its Mexican counterpart are responsible for the civil airspace over their respective countries and coordinate cross-border air traffic.
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