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Typical sensors deployed with HALE platforms perform best
when rapidly covering a very large area. Such sensors could use line
scanners or stepping cameras, in addition to Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR) to cover as large an area as possible. While HALE platforms have
large payload capacity and long endurance capability, they are
designed to operate high in the stratosphere. At such altitude they
fly "above the weather' and by using multi-spectral sensors, including EO, NIR, IR, and SAR, can penetrate clouds, dust, or darkness to
provide excellent intelligence and recce for the higher command
echelons. However, the resolution overview provided by such platforms
are rarely detailed enough to support direct engagement by tactical
echelons, especially in low intensity urban terrain warfare. These
missions require more detailed, more flexible and responsive ad-hoc
imagery, which can be obtained by other means. |
