Game of Drones Read Online Free PDF Page B

with stealth capabilities, a new adaptation unique to these particular models. They can fly undetected up to a ceiling of sixty thousand feet, and like their predecessors, carry two Hellfire missiles. These are tactical missiles that can be locked onto targets either prior to or after launch. The Reapers can also be equipped with additional payload in the form of four MUAVs per drone, which are referred to as remoras.”
    “Remoras?”
    “Small drones that attach to the larger drone like a sucker-fish to a shark, Mr. President. They're no larger than eagles and look about as such in the sky to a casual observer. They can be used as surveillance tools, or as explosive weapons . . ." He paused as if considering something uncomfortable. "...Or even be modified as weapons of mass destruction.”
    The president cocked his head, trying to intuit a conclusion from the picture that the attorney general drew. “Are you saying that these devices can be altered as WMDs?”
    “I am, Mr. President. Yes, sir.”
    “And these remoras —” He let his words hang long enough to pull an explanation.
    “Each remora has the capability to carry a single canister that can be filled with biological or chemical agents that could be spread via an aerosol over an area, which we both know is against international law."
    "As if these people care about international law, for Christ's sake!"
    The attorney general nodded in acknowledgement before continuing. "Or it can be simplified to contain five pounds of Semtex plastic explosives, which is powerful enough to raze a four-story building."
    The president rubbed his temples as if warding off a headache while his attorney general went on.
    "Now, these remoras can act in a couple of different ways,” he told him. “Unlike the Reaper, which can fly a distance of 460 miles one way, the MUAVs only have a maximum range of six miles. So they latch on to the mother drone until they reach their targeted destination. Each one can be programmed to disengage and attack a very specific target from the mother drone’s back, as long as the target is not beyond a six–mile range.”
    “And the second use?”
    “Should the main drone's stealth capabilities fail, the MUAVs would act in the same manner as decoy flares. If a trailing air-intercept missile has zeroed in on the mother drone, then a remora would detach itself and confuse the missile as to its intended target, taking the hit so that the mother drone can continue on with her course.”
    Everyone could see that the president was becoming increasingly agitated, a flurry of nervous tics manifesting themselves as he addressed his inner circle. He rubbed an eye while he spoke.
    “So you mean to say that these drones, fortified with stealth capabilities as they are, also have the failsafe backup of detachable mini-drones to support a mission for purposes of mass destruction, or even to provide comprehensive protection from our best defensive alternatives?”
    “That's correct, Sir. They certainly weren’t supposed to fall into the hands of insurgents. This weaponry was strictly devised for the U.S. military and is--or so we thought--carefully guarded on select few installations throughout the homeland and abroad.”
    "Well, make damn sure that the rest of the facilities where these things are housed are put on lockdown status, do you hear me?" The president glared at his attorney general.
    "Already done, Sir."
    "Good. So now we're left with the ramifications of our best drone technology in the hands of a terrorist faction fighting some misguided jihad. We have to assume that we are now within the crosshairs.”
    He settled back into his chair, taking comfort in the sense of command he felt from his reclining position in, which he often mulled over the problems of the day. He needed to get back in control. He consulted his jeweled chronograph. Time was crucial. The drones had been taken just over three hours ago, leaving little time thus far for the