A 'spy' plane developed by Lancashire engineers could be joining the fight against illegal immigration in the English Channel.
HERTI, the unmanned air vehicle (UAV), which has been developed at BAE Systems' base in Warton near Preston, is being looked at by the South Coast Partnership to check for illegal immigrants trying to get into the
country.
It is expected to use the technology for identifying illegal shipping in the Channel and policing the number of illegal immigrants entering the UK.
Andrew Mellors, the head of civil autonomous systems at BAE in Warton, said the partnership was being used as a pilot programme for the aircraft which could see it becoming a nationwide programme.
Mr Mellors said: "The partnership is aimed at making the most effective and efficient use of resources and ensuring unmanned air systems are introduced into use responsibly.
"All of the parties are very aware that it this is new technology in a new environment and we have to work inside the regulations and with the regulators."
Chief Insp Richard Watson, the head of air operations at Kent Police, said the use of the UAVs would "challenge some concepts" as far as regulation was concerned.
He said: "It is therefore important to work alongside authorities such as the CAA to make sure any introduction is done safely and responsibly."
The South Coast Partnership includes including Kent and Essex Police Forces, the UK Border Agency, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine and Fisheries Agency with BAE as an industry partner.
>> BAE 'spy plane' takes to the skies 
