LIGHTWEIGHT AEROSTAT SYSTEM (LAS) A New Concept In Security Surveillance and Communications Relay [metric version]

1.0 MISSION Worldwide military / security operations reemphasize the need for a low cost, responsive,
and mobile system to elevate electronic payloads up to a 300 to 1000 meters altitude. Military missions
include long term 24/7 surveillance around base camps, and communications relay to unmanned ground /
air vehicles, to dispersed security posts and convoys without using scarce satellite bandwidth. Critical
needs include establishing temporary communications capability in emergencies such as terrorist attacks
or natural disasters. Law enforcement and border security units need overhead surveillance of border
crossings, airports, VIP events, etc. that is both less costly and intrusive than helicopters, while providing
around the clock coverage. The most efficient means to meet these requirements is a low cost, mobile
aerostat system. However, traditional aerostats are large, manpower intensive and vulnerable to adverse
weather conditions. Carolina Unmanned Vehicles (CUV) has developed the Lightweight Aerostat
System (LAS) that removes these limitations, creating a very cost effective system.

1.1 LAS Concept The Lightweight Aerostat System (LAS) consists of a small aerostat with aerodynamic
list surfaces mounted on a trailer Carrier (Fig. 1). The LAS blimp can be flown at several hundred to
thousand feet altitude to provide coverage 24 hours a day for a week or more without maintenance or
downtime. Operating and maintenance cost is a fraction of using aircraft or UAVs to lift surveillance or
relay payloads. LAS surveillance versions at 100 to 500 meters can cover a radius of 25 to 35 Km,
depending upon terrain. LAS can elevate a communications payload up to 2000 meters, providing
extended coverage out to 120Km. Off the shelf payloads include stabilized camera and IR systems, while
radar, chemical detection and communication equipment can be readily adapted to the system.
LAS consists of several unique components that, taken together, comprise a system far smaller and more
versatile than any comparable unit. The lifting aerostat can operate in much higher winds than traditional
aerostat designs, improving system utility and capability in adverse weather. Unique designs reduce the
need for ground crews to handle the blimp during launch and recovery. It is carried by a HMMWV trailer
and operated by a only two person crew. LAS is very mobile and cost-effective, and basic versions are
already being built. Specific adaptations to new payloads can be developed and fielded in few months.

1.2 LAS Advantages LAS has significant operational advantages:
Good Ground Mobility, capable of operating anywhere a HMMWV and trailer can operate;
Long Mission Duration, of a week or more;
Low Production Cost, from $250K to $400K for the Carrier and Helikite;