UAV Crash in Arizona (Long)

Arizona is not theonly UAV program. see

Submarine Force Tests UAV Technology to Enhance Force Protection
Story Number: NNS050331-02
Release Date: 3/31/2005 2:00:00 PM



By Journalist 2nd Class Christina M. Shaw, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- The submarine force conducted a demonstration here
in February using a new type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to test its
utility for force protection.
During the demonstration, a prototype UAV was launched and controlled by
force protection personnel ashore to search out the waters ahead of the
submarine as it entered port.
The small plane weighing in at approximately five pounds is able to break
down into five pieces and can be stored in a small suitcase, making it
portable and easy to take anywhere it's needed.
"The beauty of UAVs as other military users have found is they are
economical, portable and reliable," said Lt. Cmdr. Tom Armstrong, Commander,
U.S. Naval Submarine Force anti-terrorism force protection officer.
The UAV can be used in a number of different ways, but its primary purpose
for the submarine force would be for reconnaissance and photographic
surveillance to support force protection. The new UAV design is ideal for
stealth, due to its ultra-quiet electric motor and small size.
Another plus comes in the versatility of the vehicle. According to
Armstrong, it can be flown in all kinds of weather and can be launched in a
very unique way.
"It can be flown via Global Positioning System (GPS). We just program what
route we want it to fly and it doesn't matter if it's night or day, in bad
weather or good," he said. "We could launch the UAV from the submarine at
sea or launch it from shore depending upon the available range."
Acquisition of this UAV for submarine force protection is still under
consideration, but Armstrong is optimistic this technology will be a part of
the fleet in the future.
"This affordable surveillance tool offers great potential benefits and
savings to the submarine force, and I hope we'll be able to take advantage
of this great technology soon."
For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/sublant.



Great new for those of us who fly down the coast. A GPS controled blind bird
Great.

But don't worry our FAA is protecting us. right?

Has anyone crossposted to rec.aviation.piloting?





"Bob" wrote in message
news
Mike the Strike wrote:
Details of the Predator UAV crash in Arizona have just been released.
snip

Well, no harm done, at least they didn't mix up the console button with
the one that releases the Hellfire missles!