New Jersey "Invasion"?

[JimSpy]

Seriously? The biggest news story involving drones, perhaps ever, and nary a mention here? I came here looking for opinions on what's being reported over New Jersey; I take it from the complete lack of interest that you all consider this whole thing ho-hum? Just wondering. Is it the concensus that we are in fact dealing with drones? Any expert opinions on what type? Just so you know, I'm NOT an expert, only flown a couple of times, so I am deferring to you lot.

I also came here to suggest that some kind of rapid-response team be formed, for the purpose of scrambling individual drones or drone swarms and dispatching them to the position of newly-reported "drone" sightings. Any volunteers in NJ?

 

[JimSpy]

Here is the latest on the drones....this is getting interesting:

I notice that some of these exhibit what seem like "attempts" at mimicking the strobe pattern of commercial fixed-wing planes or even helicopters. As a novice, I'd like to know, is there a standard, FAA-required lighting pattern for nighttime drone operations? My drones just have steady red and green lights, solely for telling which direction they're headed. Is that true for all commercial drones?

Reason I ask is, if the answer is "no", then it raises the question, why are these things trying to LOOK like standard fixed-wing aircraft? They're not fooling anyone, and they have to KNOW they're not fooling anyone...

Also, is anyone here familiar with drones manufactured in other countries, notably Eastern-bloc countries like Russia, Iran, etc.? Do they follow the same basic planform as American-made drones?

So many questions....

 

[USFist]

Virginia has become the next state of sightings. One has to wonder if at this point some of these people are joining the “ring” or flying drones to get attention?

Regardless, no transmittal device (2.4 lbs +) , no transmittal device, serial number, pilots number = when caught minimal knock on door from FAA.

 

[JimSpy]

Virginia has become the next state of sightings. One has to wonder if at this point some of these people are joining the “ring” or flying drones to get attention?

Regardless, no transmittal device (2.4 lbs +) , no transmittal device, serial number, pilots number = when caught minimal knock on door from FAA.

I'm sure there's no shortage of copycats. But what about the anomalies? Shutting off the lighting as soon as someone gets close? Inability of the FAA/FBI to hack in and take control? Long-*** battery life (like 6+ hours)? What does this tell you, if anything?

 

[Brutalwarpig]

Seriously? The biggest news story involving drones, perhaps ever, and nary a mention here? I came here looking for opinions on what's being reported over New Jersey; I take it from the complete lack of interest that you all consider this whole thing ho-hum? Just wondering. Is it the concensus that we are in fact dealing with drones? Any expert opinions on what type? Just so you know, I'm NOT an expert, only flown a couple of times, so I am deferring to you lot.

I also came here to suggest that some kind of rapid-response team be formed, for the purpose of scrambling individual drones or drone swarms and dispatching them to the position of newly-reported "drone" sightings. Any volunteers in NJ?

On that subject, i have a couple of thoughts. First, anyone who's purpose was to covertly spy on a sensitive location such as military bases, isn't going to make it obvious. All the videos I've seen on the news show drones with bright navigation strobe lights, that are designed to be visible up to 2 miles away. Why would a spy not cover or disable the high visibility navigation strobe lights that are installed on the drones they are using. It is very easy to cover those lights with electrical tape or duct tape. It doesn't make any sense that a spy would male such an obvious mistake. I think it is much more likely that this is stupid drone owners doing a TikTok challenge than anything nefarious. The recent drone incursion at Langley AFB by a Chinese national may be a legitimate attempt to spy but that's uncommon. I agree the US military should have robust detection and countermeasures in place to detect and, if deemed appropriate, incapacitated any drone flying in restricted airspace. I have no problem with our military downing drones in restricted airspace. If the operator is foolish enough to commit a federal felony with their drone, I have no sympathy for them. Not to say I think the military should shoot missles at a drone, but jamming the transmission or taking a drone out with a predator drone is perfectly fine with me. They just have to be careful not to cause a crash that could injure someone.

 

[Brutalwarpig]

I'm sure there's no shortage of copycats. But what about the anomalies? Shutting off the lighting as soon as someone gets close? Inability of the FAA/FBI to hack in and take control? Long-*** battery life (like 6+ hours)? What does this tell you,

 

[Moheekan]

Is battery life technology advanced for lightweight battery with long life. Who manufacturing these..

 

[gorfan]

i recon it is probably an AI video platform promotion .



--------------------------
www.makdrone.gr

 

[Redhorse]

On that subject, i have a couple of thoughts. First, anyone who's purpose was to covertly spy on a sensitive location such as military bases, isn't going to make it obvious. All the videos I've seen on the news show drones with bright navigation strobe lights, that are designed to be visible up to 2 miles away. Why would a spy not cover or disable the high visibility navigation strobe lights that are installed on the drones they are using. It is very easy to cover those lights with electrical tape or duct tape. It doesn't make any sense that a spy would male such an obvious mistake. I think it is much more likely that this is stupid drone owners doing a TikTok challenge than anything nefarious. The recent drone incursion at Langley AFB by a Chinese national may be a legitimate attempt to spy but that's uncommon. I agree the US military should have robust detection and countermeasures in place to detect and, if deemed appropriate, incapacitated any drone flying in restricted airspace. I have no problem with our military downing drones in restricted airspace. If the operator is foolish enough to commit a federal felony with their drone, I have no sympathy for them. Not to say I think the military should shoot missles at a drone, but jamming the transmission or taking a drone out with a predator drone is perfectly fine with me. They just have to be careful not to cause a crash that could injure someone.

Seems like some stupid stunt .... purpose? Maybe none or maybe to scare the hell out of some people but your point about spy drones being so obvious is a good one. Could even be some stunt to build public support for the ban on drones made in China.

 

[USFist]

This is happening in the US and UK. The fact these drones cannot be tracked by the FAA speaks volumes. Regardless of the motive fear at least in VA seems to be springing up. As I look at the local news on line in my area and see comments some people are ready to shoot them down if they see one. I try to explain to them the repercussions of shooting down a legal drone vs shooting down an illegal drone that may be the size of a car especially in a residential area.
The feds are sending in better tracking equipment. For me I will let them take care of the problem.

 

[Redhorse]

This is happening in the US and UK. The fact these drones cannot be tracked by the FAA speaks volumes. Regardless of the motive fear at least in VA seems to be springing up. As I look at the local news on line in my area and see comments some people are ready to shoot them down if they see one. I try to explain to them the repercussions of shooting down a legal drone vs shooting down an illegal drone that may be the size of a car especially in a residential area.
The feds are sending in better tracking equipment. For me I will let them take care of the problem.

"....... the FBI and DHS added that none of the sightings have been verified to have been drones at all."

"
We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection,” US authorities said in a statement. “To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.”

 

[Brutalwarpig]

If you follow the news you would have heard several military officials saying they need devices to jam or control rogue drones. The military has a few such devices but only for trials. The fact that such equipment is needed only became apparent after Russia invaded Ukraine. These jammer devices are problematic in a populated environment. They could cause airplanes to lose navigation signals, disrupt all the wifi networks in the area etc. Additionally disabling a drone that's flying a several thousand feet above the ground effectively turns that drone into a brick falling out of the sky. These falling drones could certainly cause damage and even kill someone. There are only a couple of devices that can actually take over the control of a drone. The devices that do exist only work on a few specific types of drones. This is brand new technology or at least a new use of existing technology. The government has never been quick to aquire a new anything. When the military does decide to use a new technology, it must first go through a year or two of testing before being fielded

Seems like some stupid stunt .... purpose? Maybe none or maybe to scare the hell out of some people but your point about spy drones being so obvious is a good one. Could even be some stunt to build public support for the ban on drones made in China.

For the most part, his is media driven public hysteria.

 

[MidwestsAirking]

Honestly I’m a little concerned this could lead to us loosing the opportunity to fly OUR drones!

Anyone else or am I worried for nothing?

 

[Redhorse]

Honestly I’m a little concerned this could lead to us loosing the opportunity to fly OUR drones!

Anyone else or am I worried for nothing?

Considering the panic by Congress over drones made in China, I don't see how recreational and commercial drone users should not be concerned.

 

[Redhorse]

If you follow the news you would have heard several military officials saying they need devices to jam or control rogue drones. The military has a few such devices but only for trials. The fact that such equipment is needed only became apparent after Russia invaded Ukraine. These jammer devices are problematic in a populated environment. They could cause airplanes to lose navigation signals, disrupt all the wifi networks in the area etc. Additionally disabling a drone that's flying a several thousand feet above the ground effectively turns that drone into a brick falling out of the sky. These falling drones could certainly cause damage and even kill someone. There are only a couple of devices that can actually take over the control of a drone. The devices that do exist only work on a few specific types of drones. This is brand new technology or at least a new use of existing technology. The government has never been quick to aquire a new anything. When the military does decide to use a new technology, it must first go through a year or two of testing before being fielded

For the most part, his is media driven public hysteria.

Now the UFO people have a new "thing" to wig out about. Chemtrails have dropped back on the list.

 

[dandor13]

I am with the brutalwarpig (nice handle by the way?). I believe in what he says. Kids or men acting like kids seeking their 15 minutes of fame, for lack of a better description. First off, flying at night is not only dangerous, but what's the point? Just to see it at night? Can't take photos, no flash, right? Only thing you are doing is endangering full scale aircraft and possibly downing a jet by fodding an engine. (I was a navy jet mechanic and witmessed a fodded engine being inches away from that engine) So, aside from some people saying "don't buy chinese drones, they have spy software installed", I need to say to these "myserious drone" pilots, get a life. So stupid. BTW, as you drone pilots know, lights continue to flash while flying on most drones.

 

[USFist]

These renegade pilots are breaking laws. Flying over restricted air space, no type of transmittal devices in order to be tracked and no identifying marks.

Those three acts break the law. When caught if the vid/camera footage is available anything linking these people to gathering info in reference to weaponry’s, finance, etc. Should bed considered spies and tried as such.

Have any of us committed any of these crimes? Then if not why should our rights be taken away?

 

[Brutalwarpig]

Honestly I’m a little concerned this could lead to us loosing the opportunity to fly OUR drones!

Anyone else or am I worried for nothing?

YES! Since the DJI/Chinese drone ban legislation is a Republican sponsored bill and Republicans have Trump and a majority in both houses of Congress. The DJI ban will almost certainly happen. Add to that the fact that Ukraine and Russia both use consumer drones in combat and the media points that out constantly. Additionally, mainstream media seems to be intentionally creating drone hysteria with all the ignorant news clips showing normal and legal drones flying at night. I am very much worried that the FAA will dramatically tighten drone regulations. I don't think RC aircraft as a hobby will be banned. However positive things that are supposed to happen soon like BVLOS flight being allowed, may not happen. I'm glad that conservatives are in control in Washington. However there are fairly simple technological solutions to prevent Chinese made consumer drones from being able to be used to covertly spy on US infrastructure. The DJI ban is a xenophobic and short sighted bill. Republicans can do better than that and still protect against unnecessary espionage risks.