The UAV (see photo, below, courtesy of John Stennes) is followed by a chase plane as it lands at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The Predator will be operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance border security and and support personnel on the ground along the northern border with Canada. With its cameras and sensors, the craft can detect a moving person from seven miles away. Sporting tail No. 104, the Predator made a 6-½-hour journey from Sierra Vista, Ariz., where it has been engaged in southwest border surveillance. When the UAV was 60 miles out from its landing, Grand Forks-based pilots initiated their command and control of the Predator. The Global Hawk also will be used for surveillance. The North Dakota Air National Guard, based in Fargo, is piloting Predators in the Middle East that are also equipped to fire missiles.
Colonel Mitchell said the base will be home to more than 20 UAVs over the next few years. The Air Force will command six of the 20 Global Hawks, with manpower to be shored up by an additional 843 people. Michel said, “The UAS is the fastest growing part of the (Air Force) business.” Predators can also be used for more than monitoring the border. FEMA has accessed their surveillance data during hurricanes and floods and the UAV also has the potential to help agencies such as the FBI, ATF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. This Predator had been expected to land last Thursday, but the flight was scuttled by a mechanical failure. High winds and turbulence canceled Friday’s flight. On Saturday, it was accompanied by a Citation jet throughout its flight due to FAA regulations regarding long, transcontinent trips.
