VDI ShadowHawk Mini Helicopters To Be Tested For Homeland Security

As ANN has reported, Vanguard Defense Industries is promoting its ShadowHawk unmanned aerial system as an aviation asset good not only for surveillance, but also for carrying weapons ranging from tasers to 12-gauge shotgun shells and 37mm or 40mm grenades. The company recently announced a contract to provide ShadowHawks for anti-piracy duty off the African coast for an unspecified energy company.

Now, ubergizmo.com reports the state of Texas has been awarded a grant by the Department of Homeland Security for a squadron of ShadowHawks. It's not clear whether they'll be the turbine or piston models, or exactly what the surveillance or weapons profiles will be. The craft is seven feet long and weighs only 49 pounds, but cruises at 50 MPH, can reach speeds of up to 70 MPH, and offers endurance of up to 3.5 hours. It reportedly can launch in winds up to 25 knots, and uses both visual and FLIR cameras to broadcast, record and even automatically track objects or people on the ground.

It's also not clear how the ShadowHawk might fare against terrorists in Texas - or pirates off Africa - who responded with ground fire.

FMI: www.vanguarddefense.com