On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 20:42:19 -0700, wrote in
:


However, the cost differential between operating a $13-million UAV and
its ground-based crew of seven compared to a pilot and a suitably
equipped Cessna 182 will never support UAV operations for border
patrol missions. It's an audacious government/corporate boondoggle
supported by the DOD and Executive branch; it's the nose of Big
Brother's domestic spying camel slipping under the tent. :-)


This is a false argument.
comare like to like.
A 182 does not have anywhere near the sensor capability of a modern
UAV.

That is why I qualified my suggestion of a Cessna 182 platform with
the phrase 'suitably equipped.'

Compare the UAV with something similar like a U2.
Even the U2 does not have the capability to transmit the status in
real time.

With a pilot observer, perhaps there would be no necessity for that.
If not, the same technology as installed on the UAV might be employed.

The 182 can not loiter at 15Kft beyond where people of interest notice
them.

Why not? A Skylane has a service ceiling of 18,100 ft.* And a Turbo
Skylane maintains full rated powerplant power to 20,000'.

the 182 can not stay aloft for 24 hours at a time.

Three of them can, and it would save millions and millions compared
with a UAV.

Maybe we need to develop a piloted survalence aircraft with the
capability of a military UAV, but I think that the UAV will be more
cost effective.

Not all UAV's cost 13M either, see the recent demo of the 3.5K UAV by
the LAPD.

If you're referring to the UAV the LA Sheriff's Department is
attempting to test, it's valued at $30K. There are probably range
issues that would interfere with it fulfilling the border patrol
mission. I object to its blind operation in joint use airspace also.

I have no commercial interest in UAVs just a desire not to loose
access to the airspace as a private pilot.
I do have some experience with non commercial UAV like technology....
my project:: http://www.rasdoc.com/splinter/solar2004.htm


Now, that is impressive. Bravo!

Paul (Same as pbreed but from home instead of from work)



* http://skylane.cessna.com/spec_perf.chtml