DCers were startled today to see a
"security blimp" in the skies, Watching You.
Quote:
Pentagon police said the Defense Department is testing a security blimp -- fully equipped with surveillance cameras. The white blimp was spotted early Wednesday morning hovering at various times over the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol.
The 178-foot-long device, which is expected to remain in the skies until Thursday, is conducting a mission for the Defense Department.
Authorities say the airship is equipped with infrared cameras designed to provide real-time images to military commanders on the ground. The equipment on the blimp already is being used to protect troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Government officials also noted the significant cost savings, given the efficiencies of blimps as compared to the maintenance costs of the fleet of black helicopters.
