Incident Occurred In Tucson, Feb 9th

Air traffic control audio has revealed details of the highly advanced 'drone' that dodged a police helicopter in military airspace above Tucson on February 9th. The FAA revealed the sophisticated capabilities of the drone this week. 

The recordings reveal that pilots and ATC were shocked by the drone, as it hovered over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. For nearly 70 mins, the drone played a game of cat and mouse with the helicopters by hovering directly over their rotors.

Not visible with night vision goggles, it escaped by exceeding the maximum flight ceiling of the helicopters. Crews are also heard saying that it was difficult to estimate the size of the mystery craft, which was difficult to visually identify due to its high speed and maneuverability. 

Another recording reveals a phone call between the Air Traffic Control tower at Tucson International Airport and the Tucson Police Department helicopter crew. 

'Yeah, was definitely a drone,' one TPD helicopter crew member tells the controllers. 'I just couldn't tell you - I couldn't give you its dimensions as it was moving... too sketchy for us to.' 

'From what I can tell just from its position light, you know, I would have to imagine it was larger than a quadcopter, and I guarantee you it was nothing like a quadcopter from how long it was up,' the crew member said.

'It has to be satellite-driven because there's no line-of-sight, there's no cell phone coverage that could have dealt with that, so it has to be satellite-driven, which is pretty freakin' sophisticated,' he added.

'I assure you it was not a quadcopter, and it was the most advanced drone we've dealt with over the last decade here. Its abilities were pretty incredible, um, I just - I can't tell you exactly its size,' the crew member said.

After tracking for over an hour, the police were not able to get a clear visual on it, and where it came from and its intentions are still unclear.

The FBI is leading the investigation, and it is likely the drone is not available on the commercial market due to being able to exceed the ceiling of the chase aircraft.

FMI: www.fbi.gov