Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; DHS's Answer to Border Surveillance Requirements
Abstract
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its many component and sub-component agencies have sought the ability to better secure our borders. Transnational Criminal Organizations and the recent proliferation of the Mexican drug cartels have led to increased illicit narcotics transfer, human trafficking, brutal violence and potential terrorist entry along our nation s border with Mexico. Since 2006, DHS officials have utilized the Predator B UAV system to help provide their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements on the southern border with some success. The Predator UAV system is expensive, and costs associated with manning, training, and operating may soon become cost prohibitive. The current economic situation and fiscal responsibility demand that DHS reassess its expensive Predator UAV program. With an extensive war-time focus, the UAV industry s technologies, capabilities, and affordability have grown exponentially over the last 5 years. This paper introduces three separate small UAVs (SUAV) that fit the DHS mission requirements at a fraction of the operating costs of Predator. The paper concludes with a recommendation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589119
Entities
People
- Brett M. Clark
Organizations
- United States Army War College