No Hiding from “All-Seeing” Gorgon Stare

The United States Air Force (USAF) is attempting to take surveillance to the next level with Gorgon Stare, an all-seeing camera system of "nine or more" cameras located underneath the wing of reaper drones. When equipped, the drones are intended for watching over a "city-size" area, while simultaneously sending live video to multiple clients on the ground.

Each camera output contains "stitched together" footage of multiple angles. Video is shot at two frames-per-second at a half-meter resolution. For contrast, current camera systems used in Predator drones shoot full-motion video at 30 frames-per-second.

The USAF is hoping to rely on Gorgon Stare for international operations, but a recently-obtained report dated December 30, 2010 suggests difficulties. According to the document, the surveillance system is "not operationally effective" and cites issues with image/video quality and streaming, the possibility of the drone "blinding itself with a laser," and a large blackout spot where the cameras meet.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Johnson, spokesman for the USAF, released a statement saying that Gorgon Stare is just the first increment in a multi-increment program. The next step is said to address the range and resolution issues and capabilities.

Do you think the USAF was premature in boasting the sensing and transmission capabilities of Gorgon Stare? Do you think it's possible for the USAF to make this high-level technology ready for use in their estimated timeframe of two months?

Source: Wired, The Washington Post