AFRL Sensor Supports Surrogate Predator Program Published Jan. 31, 2013 By Jeanne Dailey Directed Energy KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The Air Force Research Laboratory's Standoff Intelligence Detection (SID) team is supporting the Surrogate Predator program with an asset that relays real-time video to the ground for battlefield situational awareness through an AFRL-installed infrared downlink. The Surrogate Predator program provides the Air Force with a simulated Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) by modifying single-engine Cessna aircraft to include an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensor that sees both visible and mid-wave infrared for day and nighttime missions. AFRL's video downlink supports the ground-based controllers in understanding RPA capabilities and limitations and enhancing the training for deploying US forces. AFRL's support is in conjunction with the Air Combat Command, Civil Air Patrol, Air Force Northern Command, and Special Operations Command. The AFRL Directed Energy Directorate modified the aircraft and delivers this capability through a sophisticated "Predator ball" that is placed under the left wing of the Civil Air Patrol's Cessna 182 aircraft. Training exercises by US military RPAs are limited in US airspace. AFRL's Surrogate Predator program provides Army and Marine forces a way to train in the US before deploying overseas. Unmanned aircraft such as the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper are used to support ground units in overseas operations, giving commanders life-saving battlefield situational awareness in real time. The program provides the same type of ISR in training exercises as the real Predator and Reaper drones.