Widgets, a technology manufacturing company based in Dayton, Ohio has announced the release of the Ultralight Detection and Tracking Sensor (UDTS). To smuggle drugs into the United States, smugglers have begun using ultralight low-flying aircrafts. To tackle the growing threat, the new sensor will enable local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies to track these ultralight aircrafts.
Ultralight Detection and Tracking Sensor Diagram
The US Customs and Border Protection agency began keeping track of such incursions since 2010 and the number has reached a total of 228 incidents along the Mexican border. A new legislation has been proposed whereby drug trafficking carries the same penalty of $250,000 fine and up to 20 years prison. Earlier, a lesser penalty was given to smugglers using ultralight aircraft.
The Widgets UDTS is a portable system designed for deployment in remote areas and can be used in all climatic conditions. A real-time sensor provides data to send real-time alerts to command stations when it detects an ultralight craft.
Since the device is remotely accessible, it can be independently operated. To eliminate fake positives, the UDTS can be coupled with identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems to determine in real-time whether the aircraft is a friendly one or not. The system has been tested and has successfully tracked ultralight aircrafts beyond 15 mi. The range allows law enforcement agencies enough time to successfully intercept the smuggler’s aircraft.
The President of Widgets, Charles Brun stated that the UDTS system is an effective and affordable solution and does not require an operator to detect ultralight aircrafts used by drug smugglers.