The Future Of Airborne ISR May Really Be Hot Air (aerostats)

The future of airborne ISR may really be a lot of hot air. The first generation of a new type of unmanned platform is already being deployed. These new platforms are balloons, or more accurately aerostats. An aerostat is a tethered blimp that is filled with helium so it is lighter-than-air. Think of the old World War II barrage balloons. Except these are smart balloons with a sensor suite that can include electro-optical and infrared cameras, radar, sound and flash detectors and laser rangefinders/target designators. In addition, the ground control and intelligence center for each aerostat uses advanced computer software to do automated target recognition. The average aerostat carries a 200-500 pound payload and operates at between 1,000 and 2,500 feet. At the latter height it can find targets out to a distance of 200 kilometers. If unmolested, the aerostat can stay aloft for days.

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