By Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN
The F-86 Sabre was a fighter jet that played a pivotal role in the Korean War. And it was a model of that plane – packed with high explosive – that Rezwan Ferdaus allegedly planned to use to launch his own war against iconic targets in Washington D.C.
Miniature versions of the plane – 5 feet 6 inches long – can easily be acquired for less than $200 from websites serving model plane enthusiasts.
"Provides authoritative rudder control so you can execute point rolls and knife-edge flight with precision," reads the promotion material for the model on one website.
According to the affidavit in the case against Ferdaus, one of these F-86 models was delivered in August to a storage facility in Framingham, Massachusetts that he had rented under a false name to build his attack planes and maintain all his equipment.
Ferdaus was arrested Wednesday in Ashland, a small town just to the west of Boston "in connection with his plot to damage or destroy the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol, using large remote controlled aircraft filled with C-4 plastic explosives," according to a press statement from the Massachusetts U.S. District Attorney's Office.
The idea of using model planes and similar devices in terror attacks is unusual but not unprecedented.
Christopher Paul, a Columbus Ohio resident pleaded guilty in 2008 to planning terrorist attacks in the United States and Europe. According to the indictment in that case, Paul conducted research from 2006 on a variety of remote-controlled models, including a boat and a 5-foot long helicopter. Paul was accused of joining al Qaeda in the early 1990s.
Ferdaus allegedly planned to fill three remote controlled aircraft - which he referred to as "small drone airplanes" - with explosives, launch them from the east Potomac park, and guide them by GPS into their targets.
In some ways, the idea echoes – albeit in primitive fashion – the growing use by the United States and other governments of unmanned drones for surveillance and missile strikes against terrorist targets. The use of drones has had a dramatic impact in the campaign against al Qaeda and other terror groups in Pakistan – and is now being expanded to the Horn of Africa.
Hezbollah, the Shiite militia in Lebanon, reportedly carried out an armed drone attack on an Israeli naval vessel during the 2006 Lebanon war. The Haaretz newspaper reported at the time that the ship was attacked by an explosives-laden drone, which would have been undetected by radar. Four Israeli sailors were killed.
The notion that terrorists could use their own crude versions of pilotless drones might seem fantastical to some – a scenario dreamt up and posted on blogs by radio-controlled aircraft hobbyists in their darker moments.
But advances in remote-control technology mean that there are now a wide variety of easily purchased machines that terrorists might contemplate using for strikes in the United States.
One remote-controlled helicopter that retails online for $10,000 in the U.S. is described as capable of lifting a payload of at least 20 lbs. (9 kg.) It can be accessorized with a built-in camera providing real-time video transmitted back to the controller, a feature which would be of obvious help to terrorists seeking to home in on a target – and record a propaganda video of the attack at the same time.
In 2006, a Maryland teacher, Ali Asad Chandia, was convicted of trying to acquire an electronic automatic pilot system for a model aircraft on behalf of the Pakistani terror group Lashkar e Tayiba. The system contains a stability and control computer that can be programmed to fly a plane with a 10-12 foot wingspan using GPS co-ordinates and can be programmed to turn a video camera on and off when the plane reaches certain locations.
Such advances, combined with precise mapping services like Google Earth, may also provide terrorist operatives with opportunities to strike targets several miles away. However, remote detonation of C4, a very stable explosive insensitive to most physical shocks, carried on a model plane would be a challenge.
As long ago as 2007, Senator Charles Schumer D-New York said of model planes: "They present a real danger. The difficulty is figuring out how to regulate them."
Rep. John Mica R -Florida has also expressed concern in the past, saying in 2006: "They can carry explosives...even of more concern would be carrying small amounts of chemical or biological material."
Ferdaus, a Northeastern University graduate with a degree in physics, is alleged to have planned a simultaneous ground assault involving six gunmen. Unbeknown to him as he developed the plan was that "accomplices" he was in touch with were FBI undercover agents.
"I just can't stop; there is no other choice for me," he confided to one of them as he prepared the attack, according to the press statement. The agents handed over explosives and weapons just before they arrested him.
The threat from remote-controlled aircraft needs to be put in some perspective. Even 20 pounds of high explosive might not inflict devastating structural damage on a building – especially if it were reinforced like the Pentagon. By comparison, the devastating 1995 Oklahoma City bomb involved 2.5 tons of explosive packed into the back of a truck – although much of that was a more basic form of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
Even so, the force of a few pounds of C4 in a confined and crowded space such as a sports stadium or outdoor concert venue could produce mass casualties.
There is also the psychological impact of using remote-controlled aircraft against high-profile targets.
According to U.S. authorities, Ferdaus anticipated that the model planes would have a large "psychological" impact by killing Americans, including women and children, whom he referred to as "enemies of Allah."
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
https://www.edamam.com/widget/nutrition.jsp?widgetKey=4a7071d1-178b-4780-b73e-73fb5b417a60&url=https://fleetvehiclerepairshop.com/upholstery-shop-near-me
https://world2.co.uk/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=maseratiforum.net
Great info. Lucky me I found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
https://track.affclkr.com/track/clicks/3171/c627c2b89e0522dbfe9cbd2e8d2b8914736245cb75e9f0ab416db1046005?t=https://www.fleetvehiclerepairshop.com/luxury-van-repair-shop-near-me
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It's the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
http://oshovision.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=club-maserati.com
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I've read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this page.
https://cps113.quicklaunchsso.com/cas/logout?service=http://fleetrepairshops.com/van-repair-shop-near-me
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been conducting a little homework on this. And he actually bought me dinner due to the fact that I found it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your site.
https://analytics.bluekai.com/site/16231?phint=event=click&phint=campaign=BRAND-TAB&phint=platform=search&done=https://commercialrepairshop.com/testimonials
http://gamekouryaku.com/dq8/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=3552&url=http://sprintervanrepairshop.com/ford-transit-conversion-shop-near-me/
http://www.aurora.network/redirect?url=https://commercialvanrepairshop.com/peterbilt-truck-repair-shop-near-me
May I simply just say what a comfort to find a person that actually knows what they're talking about on the web. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. It's surprising you are not more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.
https://new-multimedia.inrap.fr/redirect.php?li=287&R=https://sprintervanrepairshop.com/semi-truck-windshield-replacement-shop-near-me/
bookmarked!!, I like your website!
http://www.sunhun.com/link.php?url=https://www.fleetrepairshops.com/truck-technician-shop-near-me/
http://www.rucsh.org/home/link.php?url=https://52.76.81.42/forum/how-do-i-find-a-good-custom-essay-writing-service/1443/
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you book-marked to look at new things you post…
https://publishing.brookes.ac.uk/?URL=aikareborn.com/holostyak-stb-2021
http://cloud.gestware.pt/Culture/ChangeCulture?lang=en&returnUrl=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
http://www.harburg-aktuell.de/revive/www/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=19__zoneid=26__cb=21b424239f__oadest=https://affordableranking.com/
brimonidine side effects combigan eye drops
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
https://www.icr.ro/engine/track.php?nlid=368&email=altmarius1@gmail.com&url=http://arizonasvision.com
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
https://s-school.com/toyo/1/yomi-search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=62&url=https://arizonasvision.com
This is the perfect blog for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for decades. Excellent stuff, just excellent!
http://marketplace.salisburypost.com/AdHunter/salisburypost/Home/EmailFriend?url=https://arizonasvision.com/
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I've got you book marked to check out new things you post…
http://citidex.sfgov.org/cgi-bin/sunindex/getData.cgi?docColor=deptsonly&dispRec=yes&contact=TedYamasaki&phone=(415)557-4815&url=www.meganleary.com/
I was able to find good information from your articles.
https://www.packlink.es/newsletter/confirmation/success?returnUrl=https://arizonasvision.com/
avanafil india avana drug
https://ab-search.com/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=107&url=https://arizonasvision.com/
http://www.5ivestarlondon.com/track.aspx?click=I&group=Z&item=Primrose+Bakery+Bespoke+Service&url=http://www.fleetrepairshops.com/
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I truly thought you'd have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
https://www.saisoncard.co.jp/cgi-bin/count.cgi?pal=632,632&url=https://ocrvshop.com
An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who has been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your blog.
https://www.bestrevie.ws/r/46678c091e3ae21e328f865434774f917baebabe-MDEyMDE5?url=https://meganleary.com
http://www.serbiancafe.com/lat/diskusije/new/redirect.php?url=https://meganleary.com
Excellent site you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
https://cutephp.com/forum/redirect/?q=https://meganleary.com
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don't manage to get anything done.
http://www.doctor-navi.com/cgi/hospital-search-engine2/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=14979&url=https://meganleary.com
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this blog. I'm hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own site now 😉
http://syuriya.com/ys4/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=415&url=club-maserati.com/
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from other web sites.
https://developer.vantiv.com/external-link.jspa?url=https://ocrv.xyz/discovery-trailer-collision-repair-paint-shop-near-me-orange-county
http://tremek.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http3A2F2Fyoutube.com/channel/UChUH5GdtSzHx6V02C90mnfQ/videos
http://directory.pasadenanow.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=sprintervanrepairshop.com/van-repair-shop-near-me
https://lapin.co/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=instagram.com/ocrvcenter
https://www.mlxbuild.mobi/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=yelp.com/biz/ocrv-center-anaheim-4
http://goldenalfa.by/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=http://g.page/OCRVFleetServices
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn't disappoint me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you would probably have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you can fix if you weren't too busy searching for attention.
http://cn.onkyo.com/2018newsite/newonkyo.html?url=https://ocrv.fun/tour-bus-collision-repair-paint-shop-near-me-orange-county
bookmarked!!, I love your blog!
http://www.astv.ru/redirect?url=http://g.page/ocrvcenter
http://kurose96.or.tv/ys4/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=217&url=https://ocrv.info/fire-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
https://uhr.rutgers.edu/download/135?url=https://
https://www.sunzu.com/link/?url=https://
http://www.cec.worldmarathonmajors.us/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=goo.gl/maps/iCzoZ1dDPjhG6Dsh6
Right here is the right site for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for ages. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1268/default4.asp?SA=EXIT&url=https://ocrv.art/autocar-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Good day! I just wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your great information you've got here on this post. I'll be returning to your site for more soon.
https://www.cln.radiantcontrolpanel.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=yelp.com/biz/ocrv-center-anaheim-4
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
https://jamesattorney.agilecrm.com/click?u=https://ocrv.art/rv-repair-shop-imperial-beach-california
After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Kudos!
&gTemplate=default.jsp
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody getting identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
https://video.ultra-zone.net/watch?v=t0giPblv7dk
I seriously love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as I'm attempting to create my own personal site and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Cheers!
Howdy, I do think your website could be having web browser compatibility problems. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic blog!
http://go.xscript.ir/index.php?url=https://ocrv.org/rv-repair-shop-imperial-beach-california
Right here is the right website for everyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for years. Wonderful stuff, just great!
http://www.digitalstage.jp/go/r/r.cgi?t=https://ocrvcenter.mobi/rv-repair-shop-encinitas-california
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
https://moad.dipujaen.es/index.html?redireccion=https://youtube.com/watch?v=gYcTZMWFrF4
Awsome site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
http://www.stornobrzinol.com/
Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit once again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
https://www.anonym.to/?https://ocrvcenter.net/rv-repair-shop-west-chatsworth-california
After going over a number of the blog articles on your blog, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my website as well and let me know how you feel.
http://vilniusschool-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=11E8J7AB8ivBnmFTTI6qTvm79gIRuQTrDW8X6pMqEk8Y-191466482&key=YAMMID-84327953&link=http://yelp.com/biz/ocrv-center-yorba-linda
Greetings, I think your site could be having web browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, fantastic blog!
https://surveys.montclair.edu/survey/preview.jsp?surveyid=1326825217719&url=https://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/sprinter-van-body-shop-near-me
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
https://cloudsso.hikvision.com/logout?service=https://ocrv.pro/rv-repair-shop-rancho-palos-verdes-california
You made some decent points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
http://ww17.freeshoutbox.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.life/industrial-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me
https://aspenwoodworks.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=instagram.com/ocrvcenter
http://www.americanshavehadenough.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=yelp.com/biz/ocrv-center-anaheim-2
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!
http://park3.wakwak.com/~yadoryuo/cgi-bin/click3/click3.cgi?cnt=chalet-main&url=https://ocrv.guru/rv-repair-shop-rosemead-california
Very good info. Lucky me I came across your website by accident (stumbleupon). I've saved as a favorite for later!
http://www.frasergroup.org/peninsula/guestbook/go.php?url=http://youtube.com/channel/UChUH5GdtSzHx6V02C90mnfQ/videos
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It's the little changes that make the most important changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
http://yodaweb.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=youtube.com/channel/UCGb9aC76nAmfzNsCru2KBHA/videos
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is extremely good.
http://big5.jobcn.com/gate/big5/fleettruckrepairshop.com/limo-van-repair-shop-near-me
Good article. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep it up!
https://pctechref.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.instagram.com/ocrvcenter
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!
http://www.bodayvida.com/wp-content/plugins/AND-AntiBounce/redirector.php?url=http://youtube.com/channel/UCGb9aC76nAmfzNsCru2KBHA/videos
http://www.questionsforliving.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=goo.gl/maps/iCzoZ1dDPjhG6Dsh6
http://sportsinsights.actionnetwork.com/affiliatewiz/aw.aspx?B=53&A=188&Task=Click&TargetURL=https://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/ford-cargo-van-repair-shop-near-me
I enjoy looking through a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
http://cms.hq88.com/cms/gotoUrl.do?nId=167798&url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=pXsd-CEZcRE
http://www.peepholecam.com/cgi-bin/toplist/out.cgi?url=http://www.wifimind.com
http://mirogled.com/banner-clicks/10?url=http3A2F2Fmakemoneymommas.com
https://mscroot.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Great blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
https://www.elcorourbano.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I really like it whenever people come together and share opinions. Great blog, stick with it!
http://www.abstractsonline.de/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
http://www.routerrooter.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Kudos!
http://ad1.kde.cz/adstat.dll?AddClickCount?1572/3658/809/2204/http://affordableranking.com
http://www.myunioncontractor.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://cbohr.org/track.php?id=1dfaa00b93574671b175ecde303fce8f&color=868585&url=http://affordableranking.com
Hi there! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your web site for more soon.
https://njcourts.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://uconfyar.ir/Event/GotoWebsite/309?url=http://affordableranking.com
885173 374561bless you with regard to the particular blog post ive really been searching regarding this kind of information on the web for sum time right now as a result cheers 878478
Hi! I just want to give you a huge thumbs up for your great info you have here on this post. I will be returning to your website for more soon.
https://www.kks.kmc-net.jp/ps_search.cgi?act=jump&access=1&url=https://www.affordableranking.com
https://mii.guru/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Quizas estan artos de su conjunta de herramientas, les dejo aqui la que yo uso, me va bastante bien, http://bit.ly/comunaseo
http://bit.ly/comunaseo
https://www.hao.vsoo.xin/export.php?url=https://affordableranking.com
Descuento del 20 en http://bit.ly/comunaseo con el cupón Dscto20, no pierdan el tiempo con comunas que solo quieren saber sus nichos y únanse a esta que tiene toda clase de herramientas y plugin.
http://bit.ly/comunaseo
http://www.boulangerie-patisserie-salon-de-the.fr/Home/RedirectAdvert?advertId=228&siteId=5&departementId=48&url=Offer_DisplaySearchResults&redirectUrl=http://affordableranking.com
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this web site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
https://www.thefed.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Hello there! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I am going to send this article to him. Pretty sure he'll have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
http://industrialled.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.vincula.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
https://www.mydoterra.com/Application/index.cfm?EnrollerID=458046&Theme=DefaultTheme&Returnurl=affordableranking.com&LNG=en_dot&iact=1
I whack the jar on the edge of the counter. I had not realized until a few days ago that my inability to open jars was actually carpal tunnel syndrome. I thought I was simply wimp – or dainty, depending on your perspective.
https://bestproductlab.com/
http://360plotters.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
https://www.jkes.tyc.edu.tw/dyna/webs/gotourl.php?id=357&url=https://www.affordableranking.com
http://h4b.yabby.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a co-worker who was conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch simply because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this issue here on your web site.
https://xieergai.com/goto/https://affordableranking.com
Hello there! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
http://quietpeople.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.looklooklook.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.1stepsurety.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.aslanforex.com/forestpark/linktrack?link=https://www.affordableranking.com
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
http://smartshareapts.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com