Air Support - Project

[Rav]

Hi,

I missed this weekends game because I was hanging out with a bunch of mates who came to visit from the states. They took me FPV racing, and I got to ride shotgun in the races - and had my mind blown. I feel like some of you guys may have heard this new(ish) sport. But some of you may not have. So here, you gotta check this shit out --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsxyV-kgfio. I'm into that for sure.

Anyway, we got talking about airsoft, and about arming the quads with airsoft, they (FPVers) seem pretty pumped about the idea and have been dreaming of decent combat races. So are considering taking up airsoft back home to learn about the guns. Which leaves me here with a obvious idea. Once I had seen how good you can get, I realised that even our dense forest could be a hunting ground for air support. I also love this idea for a kid who otherwise couldn't play, say, in a wheel chair, but thats later.

I want to propose a discussion, and shoot for a project - pending everyones thoughts. I don't know if it has been done as well as I know it can be, it's such an obvious idea - Im up for trying.

I'm pretty sure you can shoot these things out of the sky too, they are designed to take a hit. A twig to the prop makes the pilot loose control, I think full auto would slay it (but I don't know).

Let me know what you think? Anyone interested in a little R&D?

Cheers

[Flazzbog]

That's pretty dope.

Except you'd be upset when the rotors or camera's got rekt in your expensive drone.

[straightjacket]

ummm.... wasnt there something in the news recently about a kid that tied a real pistol to his drone?
... I close my eyes and all I see is red and blue flashes..
However, in bigger games I can definately see potential as recon..

[Nematode]

I can't see this bringing any good publicity for airsoft given the medias liking for driving UAV and gun paranoia.

Want to get airsoft banned in NZ, do stuff like this.

[ReaperNet]

I would be surprised if a law doesn't already existing prohibiting UAVs from being armed. Airsoft or not.

[Rav]

Dang it, thats a very good point Nematode. Sigh... I completely agree with you. I spoke with some family contacts in the media and they agree with you. The concept is a little volatile under the current perception of both sports. Combining them will likely get negative attention.

In light of this, I can't help but think its only a matter of time until someone actually arms a quad with airsoft (or paintball) in NZ, and brags about it. There is already some pretty bad attempts out there on the tube, but it could be done well, very easily. It might pay to be a little proactive if the airsoft community wants to voice a concern and avoid any potential fall out from media hype and paranoia, rather than wait for it to happen. Reaper, I spent some time looking through laws regarding quads and can't find anything about arming them. As far as I can tell nothing exists.

Cheers for feedback,

[tom]

I think this is a great idea! However there are a few difficulties.


There are two specific parts (parts 101 and 102) of the civil aviation rules that apply to remotely piloted aircraft system. I'll list a few that pertain to your proposed project;

1- "At all times take all practicable steps to minimize hazards to persons, property and other aircraft" I'm not sure attaching a firearm to a drone counts as minimizing hazards.

2- "be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (eg, not through binoculars, a monitor, or smartphone) to ensure separation from other aircraft (or use an observer to do this in certain cases)"

3- "not fly closer than four kilometres from any aerodrome (unless certain conditions are met)" Not sure what those conditions are but there is a aerodrome right across the road.

4- "have the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area you are wanting to fly above."

5- "have consent from anyone you want to fly above" At each game everyone would have to agree to allow the drone to be used.