There is no current method for remote identification of aerosolized ba
cteria. In particular, such a capability is required to warn of a biol
ogical warfare attack prior to human exposure. A fiber optic biosensor
, capable of running four simultaneous immunoassays, was integrated wi
th an automated fluidics unit, a cyclone-type air sampler, a radio tra
nsceiver, and batteries on a small, remotely piloted airplane capable
of carrying a 4.5-kg payload. The biosensor system was able to collect
aerosolized bacteria in flight, identify them, and transmit the data
to the operator on the ground. The results demonstrate the feasibility
of integrating a biosensor into a portable, remotely operated system
for environmental analysis.