Building america a bubble of steel
In two years, a high-tech network of blimps, drones, sensors and radar will patrol the nation s borders. Take a remote tour
This month is the deadline for bids to build what President George W. Bush has called “the most technologically advanced border in American history.” The winning plan will encase the nation’s 7,000 miles of borders inside a $2-billion virtual “bubble” made of electronic fences, smart sensors, military-grade drones and more all with the aim of keeping out terrorists, illegal immigrants and unlawful commodities.
BLIMPS
Airships hovering above the jetstream serve as telecommunications relays and provide overlapping radar coverage.
DRONES
Unmanned surveillance aircraft flying at 15,000 feet patrol the skies. A Predator B drone has already helped officials nab 1,000 intruders.
WALL OF STEEL
Congress is mulling plans for 700 miles of double-layered steel fencing along the southern U.S. border.
**SURVEILLANCE TOWERv
Cameras and radar give officers real-time views of the environment.
COMMUNICATIONS
Truck-mounted satellite dish
SMART DUST
Wireless sensors no bigger than a speck of dust detect intruders in real time.