In the present day, Airbus U.S. Area & Protection and Aerostar introduced a Cooperative Analysis and Improvement Settlement (CRADA) between the 2 firms which led to profitable joint Inner Analysis and Improvement (IRAD) stratospheric take a look at flight.
The joint flight, which included an Aerostar Thunderhead Stratospheric Balloon system and a collection of satellite tv for pc communication (satcom) terminals, tailored for stratospheric operations on Aerostar’s excessive altitude balloon techniques in addition to Airbus’s high-altitude mounted wing platform Zephyr.
Previous to the take a look at flight, a cross useful crew of engineers from each firms modified the satcom terminals to cut back their weight and put together them for the intense environmental circumstances related to long-endurance operation within the stratosphere.
“Engineering groups from each firms have labored in a collaborative vogue over the previous few months which, no-doubt, will permit each firms to revenue from one another’s experience on stratospheric operations and payload integration,” mentioned Fabian Kluessendorf, Airbus U.S. UAS Engineering Director. “Being able to relay excessive constancy ISR knowledge akin to full movement video from wherever on the planet at actual time is an enormous step in the direction of mission readiness for the U.S. DoD and our allies. Performing these developments collectively additionally paved the bottom for future joint operations that exploit the complimentary character of those two stratospheric belongings.”
The take a look at flight, launched Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, from Sioux Falls, S.D. and concluded Dec. 6, 2024, enabled testing of hardened communications techniques appropriate to assist ISR sensor functions from the stratosphere. The mixture of those techniques allows close to real-time communication and ensures operationally related data for important decision-making.
“Excessive Altitude Platforms, whether or not lighter-than-air or fixed-wing, supply unmatched persistent sensing and communications, sustaining operations over goal areas for weeks to months. No different system can ship comparable endurance, and at fraction of the price of conventional belongings.,” mentioned Russ Van Der Werff, Aerostar Vice President of Stratospheric Options. “We sit up for persevering with our partnership with Airbus and maturing the cutting-edge for HAPs in protection functions.”
About Aerostar
With greater than 65 years of lighter-than-air innovation and experience and two million flight hours within the stratosphere, Aerostar is devoted to connecting, defending, and saving lives. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aerostar offers world-leading options within the aerospace and protection market, targeted on stratospheric balloon techniques and radar options. Be taught extra at www.aerostar.com
About Airbus U.S. Area & Protection
A very long time U.S. authorities associate, Airbus U.S. Area & Protection leverages world-class satellite tv for pc, laser communication, rotary and stuck wing options to assist its Nationwide Safety targeted clients meet their missions. As a pacesetter within the subject of fixed-wing HAPS, Zephyr has achieved 64 days of endurance above 60,000 ft. Be taught extra at: https://airbusus.com
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