ABP's Border Hawk L Entering Service

They started with the first unmanned aerial vehicle on the border and moved on to a six-place Cessna (still in service).

Now, American Border Patrol has entered a new phase of aerial surveillance using a Challenger II ultralight airplane. "The Challenger gives us the stealthy capabilities of the UAV and imaging capabilities of the Cessna at a much lower cost," said Glenn Spencer, head ABP.

Spencer said ABP has completed test flights of the Challenger and is now equipping it with sensors and cameras.

Example of a Challenger II being built and flown

"This week we will be testing the Contour HD, a head-mounted high definition video camera that will allow the pilot of the Challenger to do what it took two people in the Cessna, and to do it quietly." Spencer said. According to Spencer, who is ABP's chief pilot, the Challenger can make long power-off glides making the aircraft stealthy, especially at night.

ABP will be adding thermal cameras to the Challenger, including one that can spot an individual at five miles. "Before the end of September we should be showing the American people some very interesting video of the border," Spencer added. ABP has designated the Challenger as Border Hawk L -- for "light."

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