They are extremely vulnerable, and the culmination of “Cargo Cult” opportunism.
It will take a while for their density to be such that it’s worth making a living off investment with capturing their cargo, but you know, I sure as heck know how to make a living at it, and a gang that gets organized enough will make a great living at it.
I mean, you know that video from south africa where the locals cut up a beached whale while it’s still living, and run off with hunks of meat?
A distribution channel of drones carrying ‘Cargo’ is simply a an opportunity for many generations of the division of labor more evolved than whale meat.
Drones fly at 120 meters (130 yards) according to FAA regulations.
Now if you’ve shot skeet, you can shoot down a done with 3 1/2” 12 gauge OOO Buckshot, with a drop of 18″. If you lead, and fire three shots in sequence assuming 18″ drop it’s shooting fish in a barrel. (and yes the gang bangers will develop ‘talent’ that will do it, and vehicles to do it from, and spend all f’king day doing it. You can use a rifled shotgun and slug pretty easily at 130 yards. Even with a .22 semi auto – because it’s so quiet and can put a lot of rounds up there. Or with another drone you can just tie nails to a bit of fishing net and drop it on the drone, or just smack into it with your landing gear.
Now that’s before we get to the fact that they are even more vulnerable during delivery of the goods. And that even if their reasonably autonomous they aren’t endlessly autonomous. And that capturing, modifying, and using them for ‘other purposes’ is profitable in and of itself.
So now, you get your own and deliver drugs anonymously and don’t need runners.
I mean, the disintermediation from the human being is awesome. And you know, load it up with explosives and now people won’t interfere with it. I mean.. it’s a whole new criminal industry just waiting to happen! 😉
Sorry. Just had to rain on the parade.
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