DPS flies $7.4 million spy plane to the border

The Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 NG is equipped with $1 million in high-tech surveillance cameras The Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 NG is equipped with $1 million in high-tech surveillance cameras Photo: Pilatus, Inc. Photo: Pilatus, Inc. Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close DPS flies $7.4 million spy plane to the border 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Texas Department of Public Safety pilots flew the fancy $7.4 million high-altitude spy plane — equipped with $1 million worth of surveillance cameras — from San Antonio to Fort Stockton Friday, according to a flight tracker.

The purchase of the Swiss-made aircraft by DPS was largely uncovered by media outlets in 2012. But as controversies surrounding drones and the National Security Agency continue to balloon, more focus is being shifted toward government-run spy programs.

The plane, purchased from Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., is jam-packed with military-style features including high-resolution and thermal imaging surveillance cameras, a $300,000 downlink system allowing the crew to send real-time footage anywhere in the state. As a bonus, the package also came with four night-vision goggles worth about $60,000.

The plane, known as the Pilatus PC-12 NG Spectre, has one engine and has a pressurized cabin allowing it to fly up to 30,000 feet in the air.

According to the DPS, the plane is being used for surveillance and assisting operations along the US-Mexico border. The aircraft has also been used to support emergency situations, such as the central Texas flooding in 2013.

The spy plane took off from San Antonio at 10:25 a.m. and is scheduled to land in Fort Stockton an hour and 17 minutes later, with an altitude of 16,000 feet, according to the flight tracker.

A DPS spokesman confirmed the purpose of the flight Friday afternoon.

"The DPS Pilatus and a DPS helicopter assisted Border Patrol ground personnel in Terrell County today in locating two subjects suspected of firing a weapon during an incident with law enforcement earlier today. Border Patrol agents apprehended the two subjects," the spokesman said.

kparker@express-news.net

Twitter: @KoltenParker