Command Study 11, Chapter 3. Aerial Reconnaissance Page: 32
v, 35 p. : ill. ; 27 cm.View a full description of this pamphlet.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Advanced Sensors
An impressive array of sensors- -cameras, radar, television, infrared and
electronic emission detectors and analyzers, weather sondes, and nuclear radia-
tion samplers--is well within the state of the art and has been tested extensively
by Army and Air Force research agencies. The combined viewing of the products
of these sensors by an airborne observer, together with a highly accurate position
recording system, makes possible a capability for immediate interpretation and
evaluation never before envisioned.
All of the reconnaissance sensing devices mentioned above have their pecul-
iar advantages and limitations. As is the case with the human eye, their resolv-
ing power varies with the distance from the object. Objects which can be recog-
nized from a height of 40,000 feet are of greatly different apparent size than
those recognizable from a low altitude. Further, at high altitudes visual acuity
is not adversely affected by high speed, but at low altitude it is necessary to
concentrate on objects or groups of objects singly, since their angular position
is changing rapidly. Radar can see reasonably well through most clouds or at
night and can record variations in the profile and reflectivity of the earth's sur-
face. Infrared sensors that distinguish temperature differences between objects
or areas can be used to identify manufacturing plants, power stations, and even
moving military equipment such as trucks or tanks. Radar also can be adjusted
so that it sees only those targets moving relative to the background, thus enhancing
its value in the acquisition of target data.
With side-looking, high resolution radars combined with infrared, data can
be gathered without the necessity of passing the reconnaissance vehicle directly
over the target area. When integrated, these sensors also provide a reasonable
degree of night and all-weather capability without the need of artificial illumina-
tion. For day reconnaissance, the addition of a television viewfinder improves
the resolution of the observer's eye. Distances to target may be compensated
for and electronic tape recording is used for permanency and reviewing. The
processing and interpretation of the great volume of information developed by
these advanced sensors would hardly be feasible without the use of computers
and other automatic machines that are now becoming available.
The intelligence sensing capability described above constitutes a highly ac-
curate target location system for a completely all-weather strike capability. It
can provide a large amount of recorded intelligence data at no sacrifice to the
basic attack mission. For this reason, the combined reconnaissance strike
mission concept comes into sharp focus as an effective method of seeking out
and immediately destroying certain classes of enemy targets, such as missile
launch sites and occupied airfields, without further reference to the controlling
agency.
Despite the time lag in processing and the requirement for visibility and
proper illumination, the photograph is still of central importance in the aerial
reconnaissance system. It offers high acuity and permanency as well as excellent
reproduction and interpretation possibilities. Although side-looking radar makes
useful target photos, even through cloud cover, its excessive wave length would
not qualify it as a replacement for camera optics. For this reason radars and
infrared sensors generally incorporate photographic recording methods. The
problem then is to shrink the time lag by processing the film in flight, so that
it may be viewed and interpreted while the mission is still inprogress. Selected32
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This pamphlet can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Pamphlet.
Air University (U.S.). Command Study 11, Chapter 3. Aerial Reconnaissance, pamphlet, February 1964; Robins Airforce Base, Georgia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1010521/m1/40/: accessed June 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting National WASP WWII Museum.