Maybe they're using the high definition optical targeting pods for video?
"Chase aircraft also are used as camera platforms for research missions that must be documented with photographs or video. Aeronautical engineers monitor and verify various aspects of a research project by extensively using photos and video."
"Chase aircraft also are used as camera platforms for research missions that must be documented with photographs or video. Aeronautical engineers monitor and verify various aspects of a research project by extensively using photos and video."
from
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/f-a-18...