HADES modernizes aerial military intelligence

WASHINGTON — During the Civil War, the Army used aerial technology, such as balloons, kites and pigeons, to gather intelligence and to survey the battlefield giving ground commanders the ability to make informed decisions on how to maneuver into advantageous positions. Today, the Army’s aerial-intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or A-ISR, community still has the same mission of providing timely, relevant, and accurate intelligence to tactical, operational, and strategic commanders, but it uses airplanes instead of balloons and birds. Yet, the current fleet of over 60 ISR aircraft are remnants of the Cold War. Originally built for Cold War and Counter-terrorism…