Here's something for all the grumpy old drone-haters

[Tim Wescott]

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/aerial-robots/dutch-police-training-eagles-to-take-down-drones?utm_campaign=Weekly%20Notification-%20IEEE%20Spectrum%20Tech%20Alert&utm_source=boomtrain&utm_medium=email&utm_term=555a972628fbca1d260da1ba&utm_content=Dutch%20Police%20Training%20Eagles%20to%20Take%20Down%20Drones&bt_alias=eyJ1c2VySWQiOiIxZjZlMDQyMy1lZDUyLTRhNTUtODE0MC0xMTBjYmU5MjdmMzUifQ%3D%3D

[Mark Scarborough]

I ownder how they will feel when the eagle gets its talons in the spinning blades,, ( there is after all only four rapidly rotating propellors )

[Dave_Trible]

Hooray for the eagle!  Maybe we could build a new hatchery......
We have a huge bald eagle that comes by the flying field once in a while.  Makes you want to stay in the car.  Pretty intimidating when he stares you down up close.  They regularly carry away rattle snakes,  pissed off raccoons , opossums and other critters so I don't think the rotors would be too much for him.

Dave

[Chris McMillin]

I thik the straps the Eagle is carrying in his awesome talons foul the quad's props. Those birds are pretty tough and really agile, they could probably miss the props and grab the quad easly.
Chris...

[Tim Wescott]

I thik the straps the Eagle is carrying in his awesome talons foul the quad's props. Those birds are pretty tough and really agile, they could probably miss the props and grab the quad easly.
Chris...

I know everyone hates an editor, but -- jesses, not straps.

One measure that could be taken would be to make nifty white storm trooper armor for the eagle's legs.  I'm not sure if the eagle could be made used to it, though, or if armor light enough to fly with would be strong enough to do any good.

[Randy Cuberly]

That's teriffic.  But I still think a 12 gage shotgun would work better and be a lot cheaper!  More fun too!

Randy Cuberly

[Mike Griffin]

"Grumpy old drone haters ??"   Tim I represent that remark.  LMAO

MIKE

[Steve Fitton]

I agree with Randy.  Some high brass #6 shot should eliminate quadcopters quickly and easily without the time and expense of training an eagle.

[Tim Wescott]

I agree with Randy.  Some high brass #6 shot should eliminate quadcopters quickly and easily without the time and expense of training an eagle.

But how would that "fly" in an urban area?  I'm thinking people may object to sudden showers of metal balls from above.

I can also see difficulties because you'd need officers trained in the use of shotguns, and because -- to my knowledge at least -- the birds one normally hunts fly fairly steadily so you just need windage and lead.  Quadcopters, on the other hand, dart around to some extent just by their nature and and will do so more if the pilot knows his gizmo is being shot at.

[Randy Cuberly]

But how would that "fly" in an urban area?  I'm thinking people may object to sudden showers of metal balls from above.

I can also see difficulties because you'd need officers trained in the use of shotguns, and because -- to my knowledge at least -- the birds one normally hunts fly fairly steadily so you just need windage and lead.  Quadcopters, on the other hand, dart around to some extent just by their nature and and will do so more if the pilot knows his gizmo is being shot at.

Tim,
Your knowledge of shotguns and the way birds fly needs some serious coaching.  Go out in a field during September and watch a flock of Dove fly over and just toss a rock in the air and watch the birdies do the trickest maneuvers you would ever imagine.  I've watched them dodge shot many times!  Shooti'n down a quad copter would be child's play by comparison.   
Strictly Urban environments would be a problem for the shotguns but it's likely to be a serious problem for the Eagles also..."Gee I'm sorry my eagle carried off your little dog lady.  If you file a missing dog report they'll probably find you a new one"

Just maybe you don't know quite as much about Eagles as you think you do either! 

I watched a Golden Eagle carry off a full grown Jack Rabbit one day...much bigger than a small dog or cat!

At any rate, though it sounds like a good idea I seriously doubt that it would work very well in most places!  That includes the Eagles or the Shotguns!

Randy Cuberly

[Gordon Van Tighem]

Dutch Police train Eagles to arrest drones.

[Alan Buck]

where do you sign up to buy the eagle to take out the drones?
and no liscense needed to fly it! 

[Tim Wescott]

Tim,
Your knowledge of shotguns and the way birds fly needs some serious coaching.

That's why I said "to my knowledge".

And yes, your point about eagles in urban areas is well taken -- cats and dogs (and small children?) would all be at risk (probably tastier than a quad-copter, though).

[Alan Buck]

no noise   well a screecit

[Jared Hays]

where do you sign up to buy the eagle to take out the drones?
and no liscense needed to fly it! 

Oh I'm sure the FAA would find a way to regulate this...

[Jim Kraft]

According to the fed regulations, I don't think you can fly an eagle within 5 miles of an airport. And, the eagle has to be registered with the FAA.

[john e. holliday]

But, the Eagle is not radio controlled, so it should be exempt.

[Randy Cuberly]

But, the Eagle is not radio controlled, so it should be exempt.

Well Doc, some of them (trained ones) actually wear a small radio "bracelet" on their leg for recall!

How about that!

Is that R/C or what?

Randy Cuberly

[George Hostler]

"There's a drone there, send your eagle after it."
"Negative, you just shot down the department's surveillance drone."