NCJ Number
14867
Journal
STS NEWSLETTER Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (AUGUST 1974) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
REPORT OF STUDY TO DETERMINE FEASIBILITY OF LIGHTER-THANAIR SHIPS MINIBLIMPS IN POLICE OPERATIONS, AND THEIR ADVANTAGES IN COST, AIR STABILITY, AND SURVEILLANCE USE.
Abstract
THIS STUDY BY THE TEMPE ARIZONA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AN AEROSPACE CORPORATION INCLUDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PRELIMINARY AIRSHIP DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT OF EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, HYPOTHETICAL SCHEDULES OF USE, AND LEGAL ASPECTS RELATED TO THE AIRSHIP. CONCLUSIONS WERE THAT AIRSHIPS MAY BE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN HELICOPTERS, OR STOL AIRPLANES IN POLICE OPERATIONS. THE LOW NOISE, LOW FUEL CONSUMPTION, LOW CRUISING SPEED CAPABILITY, AND SAFE OPERATION ARE ASSETS WHICH ARE FELT TO CREATE A SURVEILLANCE TOOL, WHICH WOULD BE OF VALUE IN OBSERVING HIGH CRIME AREAS OR CRIMINALS, IN SEARCHES, TRAFFIC OBSERVATION, OR ILLUMINATION OF SCENES. COST TO IMPLEMENT AND COST RELATIVE TO HELICOPTERS IS STATED, AND RECOMMENDATION OF FUNDING FOR A PROTOTYPE AIRSHIP IS MADE.