Optical detection and surveillance systems 

 can be operated from satellites, aircraft, or 

 ships. The combination of timeliness of 

 coverage and operational economics makes 

 aircraft seem the most useful surveillance craft 

 for the near future, with some data being 

 derived from existing or projected satellites, 

 and with final follow-up performed by sur- 

 face vessel. 



One of the major problems of optical sen- 

 sors is the processing and handling of raw- 

 data output. Photographic film requires 

 chemical development, usually at the end of a 

 reconnaissance mission (that is, when the 

 aircraft lands or ejected film capsules have 

 been retrieved from satellites). In some cases, 

 film from aircraft can be rapid processed in 

 flight to allow for examination or data 



( ■ .S" C'oa\t Ciutni Photo 



Coast Guard surveillance aircraft can be used for visual observation of ttie fistiing grounds, 

 facilitating detection and identification of foreign vessels 



56 



