http://www.hlswatch.com/2006/04/26/cbps-uav-crashs-on-the-us-mexico-border/ News and analysis of critical issues in homeland security today. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:26:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 http://www.hlswatch.com/2006/04/26/cbps-uav-crashs-on-the-us-mexico-border/comment-page-1/#comment-804 Ed Sun, 30 Apr 2006 04:08:31 +0000 http://www.hlswatch.com/?p=642#comment-804 Why are we using a UAV over non-hostile airspace? The beauty of UAVs lies in their use in airspace where they are very likely to be shot down. I am not aware of any attempts to shoot down aircraft along the border - except perhaps <i>by</i> the government. At $14 million per UAV and a a huge ground support crew, it would be quite a bit cheaper to fly piloted aircraft, including the pilots' salaries. A light twin aircraft could be had for half a million, by comparison, and needs a small staff to keep it flying. Figure in salaries and its still way cheaper. Why are we using a UAV over non-hostile airspace? The beauty of UAVs lies in their use in airspace where they are very likely to be shot down. I am not aware of any attempts to shoot down aircraft along the border – except perhaps by the government. At $14 million per UAV and a a huge ground support crew, it would be quite a bit cheaper to fly piloted aircraft, including the pilots’ salaries. A light twin aircraft could be had for half a million, by comparison, and needs a small staff to keep it flying. Figure in salaries and its still way cheaper.

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