"An aerostat is a helium filled 'balloon' used to elevate payloads from low to medium altitudes," JLENS product manager Lt. Col. Stephen Willhelm said. "Small and large tethered balloons have been used over time by the U.S. military for various missions. From the Civil War when they were used as observation platforms through today where small aerostats operated by Army troops are used in support of force protection missions in Iraq, Aerostats have had a long history contributing to the defense of terrain and forces on the battlefield." The JLENS aerostat is the first of its size and is the largest aerostat to be built. The 74 meter long aerostat, anchored to the ground by a tether and connected to an 180,000 pound mobile mooring station, covers almost the length and width of a football field. It will be able to fly a 7,000 pound communications and radar payload up to 10,000 feet.
CTP Price at posting:
9.3¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
