Not just trials any more - they're actually doing this, for reals.
Dutch police are employing eagles to take down illegal drones following successful trials. The force has become the first in the world to recruit birds to tackle the increasing number of drones invading the Dutch skies. "It's a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem," police spokesman Dennis Janus said.
Despite concerns raised by animal rights group, the police say the birds are not in any danger. A number of tests have been conducted since January and police seem confident about the programme. The eagles will now be deployed whenever drones are believed to be posing a threat to the public or flying close to airports or sensitive areas.
"The eagles see the drones as prey and intercept them as they are flying, before landing where they feel safe with the drone still in their claws," Mr Janus told AFP. About 100 officers will be trained to work with the eagles.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37342695
As cool as it is, I still feel it is too easy for griefers to rig a cheap drone and hurt the poor bird for it to be a workable, long-term solution.
ReplyDeleteIt is really nifty.
ReplyDeleteElie Thorne
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, many drones used for aerial photography use big carbon fiber props which use powerful motors and turn extremely fast. They are very dangerous if they hit anything like a finger or an eagle's legs or wings. They could cause a nasty gash at the least.
Eagles would be safe only if matched up against a drone that is unlikely to carry a quality camera for a long, far, or high flight. Small cheap consumer drones would be vulnerable to attack.
But the regular drones used by anybody trying to get spectacular footage could seriously hurt an eagle.
Also, why? This is just a fear reaction to a hypothetical, and if the drone were really posing a threat, it is very doubtful they could get an eagle deployed in a timely manner.
ReplyDeleteMonofilament net with nooses held above blades. The same thing you use to capture wild birds. Birds are more expensive than drones.
ReplyDeleteBryce Alexander: "Also, why? This is just a fear reaction…"
ReplyDelete— Statism.