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The SJPD really hates their "boss", the mayor. But the mayor's office is the main group to hold them accountable. So when there's a breakdown in that chain of command then there's no surprise that there's a breakdown in relationship with the public as well.

There's also the memo sent to the police chief where it said they only had a UAV and not a drone, and thus not required to be regulated by the FAA. So it make sense that the chief, and even the assistant chief that signed off on it, could claim that they did not have a drone because that's what their executive summary said. I suspect some of the problem here is indeed the definition. The media has started calling just about everything a drone if it can hover with an attached camera, which is not the definition in use even 5 years ago. This thing they have is not much more than a toy in some sense, see the descriptions here: http://www.centuryheli.com/pro...

Price: $2099.95;

Mail-order from heli-world (see http://www.heli-world.com/)

Lifting capacity: 15 lbs. (according to manufacturer).

Assuming you want a camera and a video transmitter on board (say about 2 lbs together), that should still allow you a payload of 6 lbs. and a comfortable safety margin. By the way, any idea what 2 ounces of plastic explosive can do? It can comfortably demolish a car.

Well ... I'm no expert, but I'd take a $2100 helicopter kit any time over a not-so-smart bomb. Doesn't show up on passenger lists, won't be picked up at the border for having an Arabic accent (or speaking no English at all), being nervous or zombie-like. No need to house and babysit a volatile human being. Much easier to get to the precise spot you want to target despite police cordons. Can dash in if needed. Won't blab if caught or shot down, and will allow me to retain control of events.

I'm afraid that people who are able to finance flying lessons + condo's for 6 young men for a few months will also be able to finance a $2100 helicopter kit. Plus camera and payload.

Sorry to go on about this, but it's got me a bit worried.

I mentioned this when the Israeli company pulled an insurance job on its "multi-million dollar" effort.

AI RC choppers are not new or particularly funky. Mine's quite smart too. Granted this is rather funkier than normal but it's no massive leap forward as some may have you believe.

Quick links:Century, FMA, Open source RC Heli auto-pilot project

So, my questions: where can I buy one and how much?

This is the "Steadicopter".

This is a radio controlled glow-fuel (that's a simple internal combustion engine) helicopter that can be bought for a few hundred dollars and put together in an afternoon. As I said, I have one in my garage - a Century Hawk Sport with plenty of extras.

You can connect these things to PC's, run software simulations, install sophisticated gyro-stablizers and auto-pilots - you name it. FMA's co-pilot is a good start.

Slashdot readers will be pleased to know that there's even an open-source autopilot project.

Now knowing all this, and having put together one myself, it sounds and looks suspiciously like "steadicopter" (who spent NIS 5million on a RC helicopter!!!) decided to cash in their insurance.

If the best you could do was put a "predator-like" white plastic bubble around your RC heli's cockpit then I must say, I can see why they gave up.

Palestinians take note - you can meet Israel's drone tech with a visit to Century.

This is the "Steadicopter".

This is a radio controlled glow-fuel (that's a simple internal combustion engine) helicopter that can be bought for a few hundred dollars and put together in an afternoon. As I said, I have one in my garage - a Century Hawk Sport with plenty of extras.

You can connect these things to PC's, run software simulations, install sophisticated gyro-stablizers and auto-pilots - you name it. FMA's co-pilot is a good start.

Slashdot readers will be pleased to know that there's even an open-source autopilot project.

Now knowing all this, and having put together one myself, it sounds and looks suspiciously like "steadicopter" (who spent NIS 5million on a RC helicopter!!!) decided to cash in their insurance.

If the best you could do was put a "predator-like" white plastic bubble around your RC heli's cockpit then I must say, I can see why they gave up.

Palestinians take note - you can meet Israel's drone tech with a visit to Century.