The 2010 document released to the EFF under the Freedom of Information Act, titled “Concept of Operations for CBP’s Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System,” suggests that the FAA is mandating standards affecting the devices’ Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) equipment, which could require upgrades. In a section titled “Far-Term CONOPS” (Concept of Operations), the document outlines future possible enhancements (emphasis added).
Mission sensor upgrades could include improving SAR point target resolution to well below one foot, a simultaneous SAR-GMTIIMMTI mode and advanced ATR/ATC algorithms. Visual and IR band sensors will be updated with newer generation arrays. The addition of an Electronic Support Measures suite with specific emitter identification will increase mission effectiveness by enabling the UAS to independently perform the SDCIP Identification task. Additional payload upgrades could include expendables or non-lethal weapons designed to immobilize TOIs.
By: Philip Bump | July 2, 2013 | The Atlantic Wire
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