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Breaking: Drone Spotted At London-Heathrow, Flight Delays
A drone has been reported in the vicinities of London-Heathrow (LHR) airport, forcing air traffic control to suspend all departures and arrivals on the airport's Northern Runway (9L/27R). "We are responding to a drone sighting at Heathrow and are working closely with the Met Police to prevent any threat to operational safety. As a precautionary measure, we have stopped departures while we investigate. We apologize to passengers for any inconvenience this may cause." (airwaysmag.com) Altro...
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Time for a skilled sharpshooter and a fingerprint set for the inside and out.
This particular incident was after dark with a target that had mobile capabilities in all 3 axes. The sharpshooter would have to use a shotgun, or other short range weapon and be within range of, and have a clear shotfall area beyond, the target. Heathrow encompasses a very large area with airline ground, freight and mx operations within and businesses, homes and heavily traveled roads beyond, the perimeter. Deploying the sharpshooter effectively in a timely manner would be difficult.
You're right of course but I was thinking 'sniper', aka military, someone trained to hit a moving target and shoot when the moment is right. Something that would destroy or render the drone inoperative is definitely needed under the circumstances.
time for drone hunting falcons.
Also, I commented just few days/weeks ago the so-called “anti-drone equipment” is like a invitation to those trouble makers... now look what happened...
Also, I commented just few days/weeks ago the so-called “anti-drone equipment” is like a invitation to those trouble makers... now look what happened...
"...could see, I'd say around 300 feet up, very bright, stationary flashing red and green lights, over the Harmondsworth area," he said.
"I could tell it was a drone - these things have got quite distinctive lights - not a helicopter.
"The lights were very close together. It was a very clear night and the object was stationary, it was turning very, very slightly. I could see it very clearly, I'd say for about four to five minutes."
Some of my questions would start with...(1) Was his vehicle stationary or moving, and if so at what speed ? (2) What was his expertise for estimating altitude, location (and horizontal distance) ? (3) Was he driving his vehicle or was he a passenger ? (4) Were the red and green lights flashing (as quoted) or were they constant and if so was there a flashing white light ? (5) How many drones, and what types, has he seen operating at night ?. (6) Do these things show up on the Tower radar ?
Unfortunately now the Brits need to prepare, at all their major airfields, for copycats.