NEW YORK CITY (TNND) — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., asked the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday to deploy a specific type of technology that detects drones in New York and New Jersey.
The Senate majority leader told reporters during a press conference that a specialized drone-detecting product from Robin Radar Systems is likely more effective than the equipment DHS currently uses to track aircrafts in tri-state skies.
“Today, we’re asking the DHS, the Department of Homeland Security, to deploy special detection systems, like the Robin, which use not a linear line of sight, but 360-degree technology that has a much better chance of detecting these drones,” Sen. Schumer said. “And we’re asking DHS to bring them to the New York-New Jersey area.”
Residents say they have spotted unidentified drones flying over New Jersey recently, prompting concerns among elected officials. Sen. Schumer said Robin Radar Systems will help provide answers to questions about the aircraft.
“If the technology exists for a drone to make it up into the sky, there certainly is the technology that can track the aircraft with precision and determine what the heck is going on,” Sen. Schumer said. “And that’s what the Robin does.”
“Once we get those answers, we will be in much better shape. Let’s face it: Our local people … who have questions about these drones should not have to shake an 8-ball to get an answer,” Sen. Schumer added, holding up a Magic 8 Ball. “They want real answers, and the Robin can supply those answers, and that’s why we want them here.
Sen. Schumer added that he has received briefings from DHS about the drones. The department did not return a request for comment from The National News Desk.
Last week, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he spotted drones flying over his Davidsonville, Md. home, though critics claim the governor actually saw the constellation Orion.
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