Posted on 09/29/2011 12:54:00 PM PDT by hattend
M U N C I E - The Academy of Model Aeronautics is shocked and outraged by the actions of a 26-year-old Massachusetts man arrested this week on federal charges for his intent to use an RC model airplane reconfigured as a UAV, similar to a military drone, for an explosive-laden attack on the U.S. Capitol and Pentagon. The suspect is not an AMA member nor has he been confirmed as being a model aviation enthusiast.
“When an otherwise safe and wholesome hobby becomes the focal point in a planned terrorist attack, we are as outraged as all citizens,” said AMA Interim President Mark Smith. “Like all Americans, we appreciate the professionalism of the FBI in this case. The AMA’s 143,000 aeromodelers throughout the country pledge to keep a vigilant eye in their communities on any suspicious activity involving RC aircraft.”
To read the FBI’s affidavit on the case, go here. To read the media release from the Department of Justice, go here.
Rezwan Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen from Ashland MA, and a physics graduate from Northeastern University, was arrested after lengthy monitoring and a sting operation by the FBI this week. Ferdaus had acquired three RC jets, an F-86 Sabre and two F-4 Phantoms, plus explosives and cell phones wired like IEDs. He kept them in a storage facility to work on. It isn’t known at this time if Ferdaus was able to fly the airplanes or if he had assistance. The public, according to the bureau, was never in danger.
Though Ferdaus’ plan was to convert a commercially available model aircraft into a GPS-guided unmanned aerial vehicle, there is a strong distinction between a hobbyist’s model aircraft and UAVs designed for commercial or military use. “Modelers everywhere are outraged by the literal highjacking of model aircraft for such a nefarious purpose,” said Rich Hanson, AMA’s Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs representative and former Vietnam helicopter pilot. “Our 143,000 members follow a strict safety code, always fly within site, and remain clear of frangible property or people. When we hear this sort of item and activity labeled as a ‘model’ we are concerned that our recreational and educational hobby is being misrepresented.”
To date, the FBI has not released photos of the actual RC airplanes, only photos such as below of models that are “similar.” “The public will see these photos and think ‘model” when it is the internal configuration, capabilities, and use of the plane that defines it,” continued Hanson.
This subversive plot has also been condemned by the National Aeronautic Association. “The Academy of Model Aeronautics and its 143,000 members are the embodiment of education, professionalism, hobby pursuit, and friendly competition in the United States,” said Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO. “While this individual has never been associated with the AMA or modeling, we have the utmost confidence in AMA to work with the authorities in any way possible to assist in this investigation.”
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is celebrating its 75th year in 2011. For generations it has posted what is arguably the safest record in all of aeronautics while providing a hobby and sport which has been the incubator of numerous luminaries in aviation and aerospace.
Just wait ‘til someone gets the bright idea to tie a smart phone into and RC plane. Dual core GHz processors + GPU, GPS location, attitude sensors, communications = cruise missile controller.
Regulations aside, the technological genie is out of the bottle. It’s only a matter of time.
He should have at least bought one of these:
Have you looked at them lately? There are planes being flown virtually like they do with predator drones. Videos are on Youtube. Rig one up with a cell phone as a data link, and with enough fuel or batteries, I can see how one can be used as a weapon.
Oh, you meant mine.
I’ll have to look around as I am working in Alaska and my planes are in California.
I do have some photos of my big planes but they are on a CD or thumbdrive somewhere.
If Barbara Gray, the “Strange Lady from Framingham” was still in office. RC planes would be recalled like they were Lawn Darts.
Model RC planes have evolved substantially since then, which I am sure you are aware of. The issue is not a question of blowing up buildings such as the pentagon but rather instilling fear in the public, which defines terrorism.
Given the size of some of todays RC planes and the available engine thrust to fly them, it is not inconceivable to believe that the fusilage of these planes could be packed with enough explosive material to cause substantial damage and deaths at their target sites.......
Consider the size of an ordinary hand grenade which fits in the palm of your hand and the damage and deaths it can cause when detonated in a populated area.
Youtube seems to be down right now but when it is back on line, do a search on Radio Controlled Jets and see the size of them and what they are capable of. To commit an act of terrorism, all one has to do is fill one of these babies with explosives and fly them thru the window of any office building..........
Those were planes on strings..........
“There is already rumbling that the FAA wants to start controlling model aviation. Idiots like this Masshole will only give Obama more info to screw up somebody’s happiness.”
You knew it had to happen. They don’t know how to do anything else.
It flies like a real one. Twin Fox 3.2 gassers. It has a candy drop chute that measures about 18” by 6”, could load it up with anything.
I bought it used and my goal is to one of these days go over the whole thing and lighten it up a few pounds...it’s way overbuilt.
A #2 pencil can kill. It is all in the intent of the user. Only impotent idiots try to control objects in anticipation of violence.
Yeah; technology marches on, with GPS and smart phones, etc., but a balloon, helicopter, and many other items could be fitted with control apparatus and carry a payload to a target. Not many would set up a Trebuchet across from the White House today....
The point is, nutcases put bombs in their shoes, shove explosives up their asses, etc., and you can't "REGULATE" behavior or toys simply because nutcases can buy them. It's stupid to give up ALL your freedom, and strip-search grandma while letting towelheads go through because of "profiling" lawsuits....
Get a grip, America.
I flew those, too. They were called (and still are), control-line models, but we had the fanjet engines in some of the F-4 Phantoms, Sabres, and other military models, and even had the 4 engine 1/4 scale WWII bombers like the B-17's that would drop "bombs" on targets.
Today, with the smart phones with GPS, etc., you could easily fly to a target "Kamikazee" and crash the plane into a strategic target.
The point is, Terrorists will ALWAYS come up with new ways to circumvent the Law, and the general public will be FORCED to jump through all kinds of hoops and Fees to purportedly defeat the attacks....look at the TSA, and how they treat regular people, while letting the towelheads have their non-profiling-way through the Gates....
I know. It would make more sense to regulate young male muslims who have studied physics or engineering. However, remote control models have reached the point where they can be used as an effective weapons delivery vehicles, and not for all that much money. All that’s missing is military grade explosives.
If they can instill fear and make people change their daily habits and lives, that is a win, win for them at very small cost.
Much more maneuverable and hence more accurate to deliver load.
There are extremely powerful self contained explosives sold across the counter everyday without a thought being given.
And no, I am not going to divulge what they are.
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