Posted on 12/18/2007 2:33:04 PM PST by blam
Spy planes to recharge by clinging to power lines
11:08 18 December 2007
NewScientist.com news service
Paul Marks
The next time you see something flapping in the breeze on an overhead power line, squint a little harder. It may not be a plastic bag or the remnants of a party balloon, but a tiny spy plane stealing power from the line to recharge its batteries.
The idea comes from the US Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Dayton, Ohio, US, which wants to operate extended surveillance missions using remote-controlled planes with a wingspan of about a metre, but has been struggling to find a way to refuel to extend the plane's limited flight duration.
So the AFRL is developing an electric motor-powered micro air vehicle (MAV) that can "harvest" energy when needed by attaching itself to a power line. It could even temporarily change its shape to look more like innocuous piece of trash hanging from the cable.
Hanging about
AFRL's initial aim is to work out how to make a MAV flying at 74 kilometres per hour latch onto a power line without destroying itself or the line.
(Excerpt) Read more at technology.newscientist.com ...
Of course, the little spy planes will NEVER be used to spy on us citizens.
That is pretty cool...
I'm sure it's just a nominal amount, but the author got it right here.
Well, let’s see...if the spy drone is in a public area, focusing solely on public areas, then I don’t have much of a problem. However, the temptation to look into windows, or other areas commonly associated with private property, is the issue I believe you’re pointing out here. I believe that these spy drones are great for foreign use during times of war or declared conflict, but need strict oversight while used in this country.
Another reason to keep a shotgun handy by the door.
No. 8 shot,,,.?
Honest officer, I thought there was a little plane on the line spying on me. I didn't mean to wipe out power to the entire northeast. It was spying on me I tell you!
Must be the same principle.
LOL disguise it as a pair of sneakers
7 1/2’s, high brass with a modified choke.
Would not active use by the drone, if sponsored by the military be in direct conflict with Posse Comitatus?
I said IF! :-)
Must be the same principle.
No, in that case, the power lines were coupling to the antenna and boosting the signal that the radio was receiving.
Finally, PUBLIC LAW 95-79 [P.L. 95-79] TITLE 50, CHAPTER 32, SECTION 1520 “CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE PROGRAM” “The use of human subjects will be allowed for the testing of chemical and biological agents by the U.S. Department of
“.....but need strict oversight while used in this country.”
Strict oversight?
Here’s some strict oversight for ya.
Defense, accounting to Congressional committees with respect to the experiments and studies.” “The Secretary of Defense [may] conduct tests and experiments involving the use of chemical and biological [warfare] agents on civilian populations [within the United States].” -SOURCE- Public Law 95-79, Title VIII, Sec. 808, July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 334. In U.S. Statutes-at-Large, Vol. 91, page 334, you will find Public Law 95-79. Public Law 97-375, title II, Sec. 203(a)(1), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1882. In U.S. Statutes-at-Large, Vol. 96, page 1882, you will find Public Law 97-375.
Big Brother takes another GIANT step forward.
Eric Blair will be proven right eventually.
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