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The largest platforms, such as Global Hawk, and other
High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) systems currently under
development, are performing missions similar to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
satellites. Typical equipment used the multi-sensor package of
Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) and SAR radar. As HALE systems fly
at very high altitudes, the details provided by its EO/IR sensors are
sufficient for general intelligence gathering, but for close-in
investigation of time critical targets, a closer look is essential.
High flying UAS can descend to lower altitude for a closer look, but
this is commonly done with UAS flying at medium altitude. A
significant advantage of UAS over satellites is their capability to
loiter over a particular area, and cover a specific location for an
extended time period. This usually requires changing the mission
planning, or penetration of a closed airspace. Alternatively, the UAV
can deploy an expendable sensor (mini UAV) which can descend and
loiter at lower altitude over an area for an extended period. Fighter
aircraft equipped with EOIR targeting pods or other UAV systems, (such
as Predator) can be used to augment the HALE mission and seek specific
targets spotted by a high flying
Global Hawk.
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