As Christmas approaches many people will be looking for RC models such as cars, planes and helicopters for the children in their lives (or men with a child’s mind). However, although radio controlled helicopter make excellent toys, they also have a practical application as well. RC helicopters are used by the police for surveillance and crime fighting.
The US website Officer.com, which features updates and news on new technologies used in crime fighting, published an article this year about RC helicopters and their use by the police.
The article mentioned how RC helicopters can be used in this way. What you might not realise is that the police force in the US didn’t even commission a special RC helicopter; they just used one off the shelf, which you can buy in this country right now.
A remote controlled (RC) mini-helicopter may appear to be a neighbourhood child’s toy but could be outfitted with a wireless camera to provide surveillance without moving officers too close to the situation.
The article did talk about the limitations of RC helicopters in crime fighting though, as they are very susceptible to wind, and the battery consumption of some models means that police officers would need to be closer to the incident due to the restricted flight time.
It’s interesting to note though that what can be bought online as a Christmas present for children is also used by the police to catch criminals in America.