notes
the bureau of inverse technology [bitplane]
____________________________________________________

The bitplane is a pet aerial observation unit - a highly compact spy plane - developed by bureau engineers from the generous residues of coldwarprecision. The device consists of a remote controlled aircraft with a wingspan of approximately 20 inches, nose-mounted with a miniature video camera and transmitter. The plane can be operated at altitudes of between 10 and 600 feet The transmitter sends a continuous stream of control-view video to a ground receiver, providing the pilot-controller with a vast telecast view of the immediate surrounds for navigational control.

With a one-mile flight range, bit plane demonstrates a virtual independence from its operator. The video signal is simultaneously recorded to tape, for archival and research purposes.

The standard unit product demonstrated its functionality in a series of sorties over the Silicon Valley California, between October 1997 and March 1998. The imagery generated by the bureau examines this historically influential territory contained in the 30 mile by 10 mile strip...

from surveillance video still