Sensor Craft is envisioned as the aircraft component of a fully integrated ISR enterprise that cohesively integrates space, air, and ground components of the total ISR apparatus. The technological construct can go beyond the concept of information merging (cross cueing) to a level of automated integration, adapting the sensor management to extract phenomenology necessary to identify extremely difficult camouflaged, concealed, and deceived (CC&D) targets. This may include multistatic interoperability with space assets and data exfiltration from ground sensors. Several aircraft and propulsion candidate designs and configurations are under consideration to determine the best trade-off between long endurance, altitude, engine efficiency, and power generation. Factors that drive the aircraft design include the advanced sensor payload and radio frequency (RF) aperture requirements necessary for new sensing capabilities that may result in continuous all-weather, theater air and ground target acquisition, geo-positioning, and tracking, including targets employing heavy CC&D. One of the most innovative aspects of this program, according to members of the design team, is the integration of the large antenna apertures required for lower frequency operations into the structural components of the aircraft. In these lower frequency bands of operation, the Sensor Craft may provide a foliage penetration radar capability, which is a key sensory mode aimed at defeating the CC&D capability.

More information on the Sensor Craft can be found at: ABP International

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