The demand for long range, persistent airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) exceeds present and planned satellite coverage, as well as available manned and unmanned aircraft capabilities. Specialised High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) could provide similar capabilities by operating continuously in the stratosphere. Cost-effective HALE platforms offering greater mission flexibility could supplement and complement the overburdened satellite networks, enabling these valuable assets to focus on high priority assignments.
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