UAVs Technology for Homeland Security

UAVs Technology for Homeland Security

Introduction

The acronym refers to UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. It is a type of aircraft with no pilot on board. These are pre-programmed for self-directed flights or are controlled through remote. UAV technology is majorly serving the military purposes and is growing rapidly. As the technology gets advanced, the UAV's capabilities are also increasingly supporting the military, and the homeland security agencies, to mitigate illegal border activities. The cost of these vehicles ranges from some amount of dollars to millions of dollars (www.theuav.com).

Discussion

Tethered Aerostat

It is an inspection program called as aerostat-borne. It has been offering sensitive intelligence information for more than two decades to the federal law implement agencies. It also works to disallow the illegal imports and drugs in the border premises of South-West Mexico, the Caribbean and Straits of Florida (www.af.mil).

Cost & Capabilities

It is especially used for its low cost consumption. With low cost, it also provides electrical energy to its systems and a communication linkage between the on-board sensors (Parsch, 2005). It has the ability to detect, monitor and interdict the suspicious planes flying at low heights. For working efficiently, it takes the edge off landscape limitation and earth curvature (barber.house.gov).

Vulnerability& Threats

The TARS sites of General Electric had the reliability problems of higher concerns. There was an intense leakage of Helium gas, and the plane used to fail in maintaining the height for the exact duration (Parsch, 2005).

MQ-9 Predator B

These are used in the areas where the manned aircrafts and the CBP persons cannot conduct missions. Such areas are highly risky in accessing the terrorists and controlling the illegal activities across the border. These systems are also serving homeland security. It had served impressively in the mapping of the flooded areas of Red River Valley North Dakota and Minnesota (www.cbp.gov).

Cost & ...