Update: Tucson copter cop says mysterious, ‘sophisticated’ super-drone ‘like no other’

[rangerrebew]

 Update: Tucson copter cop says mysterious, ‘sophisticated’ super-drone ‘like no other’

Bruce Crumley

- Jun. 23rd 2021 3:08 am PT
 
Additional information has surfaced about the mysterious drone that officials in Tucson described as “highly modified” after it buzzed, then led a border patrol helicopter on a high-speed, hour-long chase before vanishing. A case summary of the incident details airborne police efforts to pursue and unsuccessfully identify the astonishingly powerful craft described as “very sophisticated/specialized and able to perform like no other.”

Police report adds detail about mystery drone’s exploit

The initial encounter occurred just after 10 p.m. on Feb. 9, but was only revealed in May. Subsequent information was reported earlier this month. The executive summary version is that a drone nearly collided with a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) helicopter above Tucson. The chopper then chased the craft over a veering, 70-mile course at speeds over 100 mph and altitudes of up to 14,000 feet. During that run, the escaping uncrewed aerial system (UAS) craft violated restricted airspaces – including those of an Air Force base and Tucson’s airport – and displayed maneuverability and power reserves far beyond those of a consumer drone.

Then it disappeared.

https://dronedj.com/2021/06/23/update-tucson-copter-cop-says-mysterious-sophisticated-super-drone-like-no-other/

[rangerrebew]

If they don't know who is flying it and it is in US air space, shoot the d*mn thing down as they would any invading aircraft.

[rustynail]

Came from that new China base in Texas?

[roamer_1]

[Free Vulcan]

The uas was very sophisticated/specialized and able to perform like no other uas I have ever observed. The uas began flying orbits around our aircraft as we tracked it… up to an altitude of 12,000 ft (the uas was in excess of 14,000ft), its speed at times well in excess of 100 mph… (From) its flight path (it) was obvious the controller had clear sight of both the helicopters tracking it by the way it would orbit us and abruptly fly behind us and attempt to avoid our visual contact.

They might want to get a handle on this one. The speed, altitude, and maneuverability capabilities of that thing is way beyond what there is now.

I'm not sure if even the best military drones can do what is described here.