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Mon, May 04, 2015

Graffiti 'Artist' Uses UAV To Vandalize NYC Billboard

Spray Paint Can Attached To DJI Phantom UAV

While dozens of companies and individuals wait for the FAA to approve their use of UAVs, a self-proclaimed "artist" has probably set things back a couple of months, if not more. A "graffiti artist" has used a DJI Phantom UAV to vandalize a huge billboard in New York City ... thought to be the first time an unmanned aircraft has been used for such a public display of vandalism.

Wired reports that the vandal goes only by KATSU. A year ago, he demonstrated how he had managed to attach a spray paint can to the UAV. He initially used it to spray canvasses for white-wall galleries, but he made no secret that he intended to use it in the streets as well.

Now, KATSU has scrawled red paint across Kendall Jenner's face on a Calvin Klein Jeans ad that is on one of New York City's largest and most viewed billboards.

He even posted a YouTube video of his aircraft in the act of vandalizing the advertisement.

KATSU was unrepentant about the stunt, and in fact called it "exciting to see its first potential use as a device for vandalism."

KATSU said this first act was a "proof of concept", and he plans to release a more "user friendly" spray paint drone in the near future. 

We'll bet he doesn't hold a pilot certificate, either.

(Image from KATSU YouTube video)

FMI: https://youtu.be/We12p6yvNW0

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