Israel’s RT develops high-altitude surveillance blimp

The SkyGuard 1 surveillance blimp that RT subsidiary Aero-T is developing. Source RT LTA SystemsSource: IHS Jane’s 360 – janes.com

By Yaakov Lappin

Israeli aerostat manufacturer RT LTA Systems announced on 26 July that it was launching a new family of platforms under the name ‘SkyGuard’ that are designed to carry far heavier payloads for longer periods than its existing SkyStar family.

RT said its new Aero-T subsidiary will develop and produce the SkyGuard family and has already completed development of the SkyGuard 1.

The SkyGuard 1 takes the form of an egg-shaped ‘blimp’ rather than the spherical shape of the SkyStar. It can carry payloads weighing up to 90 kg and reach altitudes of up to 1,000 m for long-endurance missions, according to RT.

The SkyGuard 1 surveillance blimp that RT subsidiary Aero-T is developing.  Source: RT LTA Systems

The SkyGuard 1 surveillance blimp that RT subsidiary Aero-T is developing.
Source: RT LTA Systems

“Taken together, these abilities will allow the aerostat to operate continuously for at least seven days without maintenance,” RT said.

In comparison, the largest SkyStar has a 50 kg maximum payload weight and 72-hour endurance.

As with the SkyStar, the SkyGuard 1 is unpowered and tethered to a ground control station.

RT sources expressed confidence that talks with potential clients would begin soon.

“Aero-T’s new product uses the most high-end technology in its field and its qualities compete with the leading companies in the large aerostat market,” said Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT and Aero-T.

SkyStar aerostats are in service with a range of clients, including the Israel Defense Forces, and are mainly used for aerial surveillance around specific facilities.

Source: IHS Jane’s 360 – janes.com

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