Bazooka battle against airport drones menace
AIRPORT staff could be given powers to shoot down drones with shotguns or ‘net bazookas’ under laws to prevent a repeat of the recent chaos at Gatwick.
Drone operators will also be banned from flying within three miles of an airport, compared to 0.6 miles now, and the maximum height for the devices will be lowered from 400ft.
Under plans unveiled by ministers last night, police would also be able to force operators to land devices flown illegally near airports and prisons.
In a 70-page consultation paper, the Department for Transport (DFT) disclosed that the Home Office will begin testing new counter-drone technology to help airports detect them and bring them down if they pose a threat.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: ‘Today’s measures set out the next steps needed to ensure that drones are used in a way that is safe and secure and the industry is accountable.
‘The vast majority fly safely and responsibly, but we must ensure the police have the right powers to deal with illegal use.’
Details of defence systems were not provided and the draft drone Bill is not due to be published for several months. But a Whitehall source referred to tests being carried out by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow.
These involve bazookas that fire a mortar-like projectile containing a net to snare a flying drone within a range of 130 yards.
Gatwick is also investing millions in anti-drone measures thought to include the Israelidesigned Drone Dome, which can detect and jam communications between a drone and its operator.
Police already have powers to shoot down drones but have been reluctant to use them.
Marksmen were seen carrying shotguns at Gatwick last month when around 1,000 flights were grounded after drones were flown over the airport.
But officers said they could not shoot down the remote-controlled craft for fear of stray bullets. The DFT is also working with manufacturers to develop geo-fencing technology that automatically prevents drones from flying near airports and prisons.
This software already exists but is easy to disable. Under the new regime, police will be able to inspect drones they have grounded to check if this has happened.
From November, people will also have to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority when they buy a drone and take an online test to fly one.
Pilots and air traffic controllers have warned it is only a matter of time before a potentially catastrophic collision between a drone and a passenger jet.
Airport bosses have expressed frustration at not being able to protect themselves against the risk despite more near misses.
Last night, Labour said new powers for police were ‘meaningless’ unless they are given more resources. Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said: ‘The Government’s approach to drones has been slow off the mark.’
He added: ‘Greater police powers are welcome but they are meaningless without more resources. Labour repeatedly warned Department for Transport ministers over the last several years that they needed to take action on drones yet nowhere near enough has been done.’
Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association said: ‘The safety of the travelling public and aircraft crew should always come first.
‘We were encouraged last year when the Government announced it was introducing new laws, including the restriction zone and mandatory registration.
‘But we were disappointed they didn’t go far enough, and could put drones in direct conflict with commercial aircraft.’
Mr Strutton added: ‘The Government’s announcement today is a win for flight safety.’
The Sussex police investigation into last month’s Gatwick drone chaos has been heavily criticised after they arrested an innocent married couple then released them after 36 hours in custody.
Police are understood to have a long list of suspects but no arrests are thought to be imminent.
‘Ensure police have the right powers’