Actually, since Woodward referred to the tank and airplane as similar advances, this would suggest some sort of weapon rather than surveillance device.
Say, a kilowatt-class solid-state laser on board a Predator drone? Coupled to advance thermal recognition systems, it could easily separate friend from foe, as well as virtually eliminate collateral damage.
Just a thought...
You might be right... (I hope you’re right), and thanks!
-an excerpt from an article found with a quick www search-
“A laser beam is silent and invisible. An ATL can deliver the heat of a blowtorch with a range of 20 kilometres, depending on conditions. That range is great enough that the aircraft carrying it might not be seen, especially at night.”