Project CHLOE

The primary concept being explored by Project CHLOE is to have a UAV circling at 65,000 ft (20,000 m) above a major airport which is equipped for the dual role of detecting and defeating a heat-seeking missile launched against an airliner.[1][2] Other systems, such as the Northrop Grumman Guardian, CAMPS and Flight Guard have been developed which would be mounted on individual commercial aircraft, but such systems can cost upwards of US$1 million per plane, and airlines would prefer a more workable and affordable solution over using equipment that they have to both pay for and then maintain.[2] The program is the result of a congressional directive to the DHS to explore technology options parallel with the development of aircraft-mounted systems.[3]

The proposed UAVs would have a long loiter time, up to 24 hours per flight, so that there would be a "perpetual orbit",[4] of an aircraft above an airport. The system would have all-weather capabilities[5] to scan a threat envelope of a 3-mile (4.8 km) radius around the airport, and air traffic up to an altitude of 18,000 ft (5,500 m), plus standard approach and departure corridors up to 65 mi (105 km) from airports.[3][5] The system would be required to respond to a threat within three to ten seconds.[5] It would also have to be unaffected by ground clutter which could mimic the signature of a missile launch.[5] "One of these devices flying above 60,000 ft (18,000 m) would cover all of the commercial airports in the L.A. County area," said Admiral Jay M. Cohen, DHS' technology chief.[2]

Civilian pilot groups have expressed concern about impact of drone operations in civilian airspace, especially during takeoff and landing.[1] During the actual loitering, the drones will not be a factor to civilian air traffic, since they will be above the national airspace.[4]

DHS is also addressing concerns about the danger to people on the ground from lasers being directed downward, as well as concerns over a falling defeated missile.[2][5]