Thu, Sep 04, 2008
Predator-B UAV Used To Survey Damage
US Customs and Border Protection has deployed the Unmanned
Aircraft System (UAS) Predator B to support the response and
recovery efforts of Hurricane Gustav. CBP launched its Predator B
Tuesday morning to provide live streaming video to damage
assessment personnel.
Launched from Corpus Christi, TX, the Predator B was piloted by
trained Air and Marine agents from Sierra Vista, AZ. The UAS
surveyed levee conditions to detect damage and identify post-event
trouble spots and supported search and rescue personnel by
providing live streaming video to federal, state and local
officials.
"Timely and accurate information is critical to the men and
women engaged in search and rescue operations on the ground," said
Michael Kostelnik, assistant commissioner for CBP Air and Marine.
"The UAS is providing real-time situational awareness to officials
at all levels so they have the best information to identify needs
and best determine how to prioritize the government's
resources."
CBP's High Endurance Tracker (PA-42 Cheyennes) and Orion P-3s
reconnaissance aircraft provided pre-landfall imagery of
DHS-designated critical infrastructure, and rapid needs assessment
following the landfall of Hurricane Gustav. Both fixed wing and
rotor wing aircraft will be used as needed to monitor ground
situation day/night and to transport first responders and security
elements to affected areas.
Additionally, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents were
deployed to assist in local, state and federal efforts to rescue
those in harm's way. CBP also has deployed a team of 15 law
enforcement officers to Alexandria, LA to support urban search and
rescue efforts there. The primary mission of these teams is to
ensure public safety and provide force protection for urban search
and rescue teams.
US Customs and Border Protection received its first Predator B
in October 2006. The Predator B offers superior detection and
monitoring capability, endurance, speed and payload capacity. The
UAS is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor capability, including
a Forward Looking Infrared Radar and Synthetic Aperture Radar. As a
strategic asset within the Department of Homeland Security, the UAS
has the capability to support other law enforcement efforts and
critical incident response.
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