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LAPD helicopter tracker with real-time operating costs

(lapdhelicoptertracker.com)
100 points polalavik | 1 comments | 21 Nov 25 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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ripberge ◴[21 Nov 25 22:32 UTC] No.46009808[source]▶
As someone who lives in central LA and has them circle my neighborhood frequently, actually shaking my house, I think this is awesome.

These needs should be filled by drones. Way less noisy, dangerous and expensive.

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polalavik ◴[21 Nov 25 22:33 UTC] No.46009819[source]▶
why LA is spending thousands/hour when drones exist is crazy.
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tcdent ◴[21 Nov 25 22:41 UTC] No.46009897[source]▶
You're talking about technology that's only become realistic in the last couple years. Even then, there's probably nothing off-the-shelf that would serve the current need.

LAPD has been patrolling with helicopters for decades. I have yet to see a drone follow a car in high speed pursuit down the 5 at 100+ MPH.

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kevin_thibedeau ◴[21 Nov 25 22:48 UTC] No.46009957[source]▶
The MQ-8 would be cheaper to operate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Sco...

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1. scottyah ◴[21 Nov 25 23:35 UTC] No.46010390{4}[source]▶
In what way would that be cheaper to operate? You'd just replace a pilot with a few pilots and a few teams of software engineers. Maybe fuel savings?