The Advanced Tactical Air Reconnaissance System [ATARS] is intended to provide real-, near-real-time, manned penetrating tactical reconnaissance aboard Hornets for sea or expeditionary land-based operations. The reconnaissance system is a self-contained sensor suite that, when upgraded will be capable of gathering both wide-area coverage and point-target reconnaissance imagery during all-weather conditions. A data link would allow aircrew to transmit imagery to a ground-based image processing station while returning to home base,