What capability does the MQ-5B Hunter include in terms of payload?

The MQ-5B Hunter drone is equipped with an Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payload as well as a laser designator (LD). This combination allows for versatile reconnaissance and target acquisition. The EO capabilities provide high-resolution imagery and video in visible light, while the IR functionality enables detection and tracking of objects based on their heat signatures, even in poor visibility conditions. The addition of the laser designator enhances the drone's ability to mark targets for precision-guided munitions and allows for effective coordination with ground forces or other aerial assets.

This multi-spectral capability is a significant asset in modern warfare, where situational awareness and accurate targeting are crucial. The presence of both EO and IR sensors, along with the laser designator, supports a wide array of missions, from surveillance to close air support, making the MQ-5B Hunter a highly effective tool in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) realm.