Which of these camera systems are not used on the Predator?

• A. Infrared
• B. Night vision
• C. Thermal imaging
• D. PC cam

Answer: (D)

The imaging setup on the Predator relies on purpose-built sensors that cover visible and infrared sensing. It uses an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload: a daylight visible camera for color imagery and an infrared camera that can perform thermal imaging to reveal heat differences, which is crucial for night or smoky conditions. These sensors are rugged, integrated with the aircraft’s systems, and designed for military use, not consumer-grade hardware.

A PC-style webcam does not fit this military sensor profile. It lacks the ruggedness, resolution, and integration required for real-time targeting and surveillance, and it isn’t designed to operate in the aircraft’s environment or connect to its mission systems. That makes it the camera system not used on the Predator. Night vision capabilities are effectively covered by the infrared/thermal sensors, rather than a separate onboard night-vision camera, which is why the consumer PC cam stands out as the non-used option.