Is it illegal to make a tracking missile?

[Cowslayeggs]

I was wondering if it would be legal to make a guidance system that only tracks a single target. Specifically, I want to put a radio transmitter on a cheap model airplane and attempt to track the signal and take it down. It wouldnt be an active system, rather a precisely dialed in passive radio tracking system tuned to one frequency.

 

[Area66]

What next ? a Delta airplane ?

 

[COrocket]

 

[DAllen]

I was wondering if it would be legal to make a guidance system that only tracks a single target.

No.

 

[Area66]

Since we don't know where the OP is from, I will do the legal part of Canada, and let other do the US side of the story

From Transport Canada ( equivalent of FAA )

9.12. No person shall launch a high power rocket as a weapon at a surface or air target.

 

[troj]

I can't tell you if it's legal in the US, or not, as I don't know the answer.

I can, however, tell you that it's a horrible idea and the rocketry hobby won't be at all supportive of it. We, as a hobby, have worked too hard to have a positive relationship with government agencies. Encouraging or supporting what you're asking about will only tear that apart.

-Kevin

 

[JStitz]

Is this an ATF agent trolling for kicks?
If your target was the sun with an optical tracking device maybe.....Taking out a horizontally flying target will get you federal attention and an unmarked car parked outside your residence.:sad:


I guess we can say this is like those guys that want to fire sidewinder model rockets off their R/C war planes..:eyeroll:

 

[Aksrockets]

Alex

 

[mikemech]

The attempt would probably get you a long vacation in a small room.

Mike

 

[jimzcatz]

I was wondering if it would be legal to make a guidance system that only tracks a single target. Specifically, I want to put a radio transmitter on a cheap model airplane and attempt to track the signal and take it down. It wouldnt be an active system, rather a precisely dialed in passive radio tracking system tuned to one frequency.

OF COURSE THATS ILLEGAL,DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO ASK??? SHEEESH!!!

 

[chadrog]

OF COURSE THATS ILLEGAL,DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO ASK??? SHEEESH!!!

Well, he/she does seem to think cows are birds.

 

[fyrwrxz]

Take up skeet shooting-same concept-same result.

 

[RandyT0001]

Is it illegal to make a tracking missile?
I was wondering if it would be legal to make a guidance system that only tracks a single target. Specifically, I want to put a radio transmitter on a cheap model airplane and attempt to track the signal and take it down.

Here's a couple of Federal codes (laws) that you might want to consider before continuing your attempt. Personally, I would not want to try only to spend twenty years in prison.

18 USC § 32 - Destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities
(a) Whoever willfully—
(1) sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks any aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used, operated, or employed in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce;
(2) places or causes to be placed a destructive device or substance in, upon, or in proximity to, or otherwise makes or causes to be made unworkable or unusable or hazardous to work or use, any such aircraft, or any part or other materials used or intended to be used in connection with the operation of such aircraft, if such placing or causing to be placed or such making or causing to be made is likely to endanger the safety of any such aircraft;

(8) attempts or conspires to do anything prohibited under paragraphs (1) through (7) of this subsection;
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both.

18 USC § 31 - Definitions
(a) Definitions.— In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1) Aircraft.— The term “aircraft” means a civil, military, or public contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, fly, or travel in the air.

18 USC § 2332g - Missile systems designed to destroy aircraft
(a) Unlawful Conduct.— (1) In general.— Except as provided in paragraph (3), it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly produce, construct, otherwise acquire, transfer directly or indirectly, receive, possess, import, export, or use, or possess and threaten to use—
(A) an explosive or incendiary rocket or missile that is guided by any system designed to enable the rocket or missile to—
(i) seek or proceed toward energy radiated or reflected from an aircraft or toward an image locating an aircraft; or
(ii) otherwise direct or guide the rocket or missile to an aircraft;
(B) any device designed or intended to launch or guide a rocket or missile described in subparagraph (A); or
(C) any part or combination of parts designed or redesigned for use in assembling or fabricating a rocket, missile, or device described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(d) Definition.— As used in this section, the term “aircraft” has the definition set forth in section 40102 (a)(6) of title 49, United States Code.

40102 (a)(6) of title 49
“aircraft” means any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air.

 

[paul.nortness]

Wow

 

[Area66]

....Taking out a horizontally flying target will get you federal attention and an unmarked car parked outside your residence.:sad: :

I have another vision

 

[xenon]

Here's a couple of Federal codes (laws) that you might want to consider before continuing your attempt. Personally, I would not want to try only to spend twenty years in prison.

Thank you for a rational reply with a source to back it up