CBP Agent Dave Gasho Offers a Walk-around Tour of the Predator B

On July 28th, EAA AirVenture attendees watched the historic arrival of a Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) as it landed at Wittman Regional Airport for the first time.  Kevin Krogh, an Air Interdiction Agent with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, piloted the aircraft’s first landing as it touched down in front of excited onlookers.

First deployed by the Office of Air and Marine in 2005, the CBP currently operates five Predator B UASs.  Four aircraft support southern border patrol from the UAS Operations Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and starting in January of 2009, an additional aircraft supports the northern border patrol directed from Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

The Predator B UAS is equipped with an upgraded Raytheon multi-spectral targeting system and electro-optical/infrared sensor system that vastly improves the operational effectiveness in CBP missions.  Powered by the Honeywell TPE 331-10T turboprop engine, the aircraft is designed for long-endurance, high-altitude missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting support.

Without the limitations of on board pilots, the system is able to conduct multiple missions simultaneously.  This extended endurance and payload capacity allows for the aircraft to support not just the CBP, but also other Homeland Security agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.  The CBP’s Predator Bs have flown over 1,500 flight hours of border security missions contributing to the seizure of more than 15,000 pounds of illegal contraband and the apprehension of over 5,000 illegal aliens.

FMI: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/uas_program/, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews