Spy in the sky drone sets sights on Miami

Miami police could be the first in the United States to use, spy-in-the-sky technology to help their fight against crime.

A small pilotless drone manufactured by Honeywell International , capable of hovering and "staring" using electro-optic or infrared sensors, is expected to make its debut soon in the skies over the Florida Everglades.

If the drone wins Federal Aviation Administration approval, the Miami-Dade Police Department will start flying the 6.3 kg drone over urban areas.

"Our intentions are to use it only in tactical situations as an extra set of eyes," said police department spokesman Juan Villalba.

"We intend to use this to benefit us in carrying out our mission," he added, saying the wingless Honeywell aircraft, which fits into a backpack and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, seems ideally suited for use by SWAT teams in hostage situations or dealing with "barricaded subjects."

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