Air Force Planning Giant Spy Airship

[unhappycamper]

Air Force Planning Giant Spy Airship
March 13, 2009
Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON - The next Air Force spy craft is likely to be a giant, unmanned dirigible that can remain aloft at high altitudes, keeping an unblinking watch on vehicles, planes and even people.

The dirigible is the brainchild of the U.S. Air Force and the Pentagon's research arm, which together will spend $400 million to develop a prototype that could pave the way for a fleet of spy airships, military officials said Thursday.

The plans represent the final stage of work to develop a giant airborne radar system capable of providing ground operators with intricate detail over vast expanses, even if the dirigible is hundreds of miles from its target.

The project reflects a recent shift in Pentagon planning and spending priorities under Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has urged the military services to improve intelligence and surveillance operations, while cutting high-tech weaponry costs.

However, it marks the return to a form of flight that has stirred anxiety and doubt since the deadly 1937 disaster involving the Hindenburg. In Iraq, the military has used less-sophisticated tethered blimps called aerostats to conduct surveillance around military bases.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/March-2009/air-force-planning-giant-spy-airship.html?col=1186032369229

[daninthemoon]

1. Nick Fury and SHIELD!

[kickysnana]

2. Proving once again, military intelligence is an oxymoron. n/t

[Historic NY]

3. Das Zeppelins....

[Turbineguy]

4. Irony challenged here

Would it be a better idea to have something small to spy on people? How about some flashing LED's "PSSST... WE'RE SPYING ON YOU!"?

[Angleae]

5. At 65000 ft, few will see it.

And then they'll only see a speck in the sky.