Autonomous Deployment Demonstration Program Completes Flight Testing

Source: Naval Research Laboratory

  The Naval Research Laboratory Vehicle Research Section has successfully completed flight tests for the Autonomous Deployment Demonstration (ADD) program. The final demonstration took place Sept. 1 at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Ariz., and consisted of a series of eight balloon-drops at altitudes of up to 57,000 ft, delivering sensor-emplacement Close-In Covert Autonomous Disposable Aircraft (CICADA) vehicles within 15 feet of their intended landing locations. Continue reading →

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Orange County panel approves Tustin hangar park plan

This is the North Hangar at the former Tustin Marine Air Station. Photo: Jebb Harris, The Orange County Register – 2003

Source: The Orange County Register

By Elysse James / The Orange County Register

Regional park plan includes a water polo and ice hockey rink on the former Tustin Marine base.

TUSTIN – The Orange County Parks Commission has approved a plan for the land around the north Tustin blimp hangar to become a regional park.

The hangar would be restored, and the surrounding 84.5 acres could be transformed into park space, with picnic areas, walking trails and fields. Continue reading →

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11 die in New Zealand hot air balloon fire, crash

Source: MSNBC News

‘Everyone was screaming’

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A hot air balloon hit a power line, caught fire and crashed, killing all 11 people on board and devastating the town where it happened.

The sightseeing balloon, carrying a pilot and five couples, came down on a farm outside Carterton, a town with a tradition of ballooning among locals and visitors. Continue reading →

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Plans for Ogden police blimp canceled

Source: Standard Examiner

By Scott Schwebke

OGDEN — The police department’s plan to launch a crime-fighting blimp has crashed.

The blimp has been scuttled and was deflated by a number of factors, said Mayor-elect Mike Caldwell. Continue reading →

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Google founders offer ‘100 percent’ funding to save Hangar One, NASA considering offer

Source: Silicon Valley Mercury News

by Troy Wolverton and Kristen Marschall, Bay Area News Group

Hangar One, once home to the Navy’s giant airships at Moffett Field, finally has a few willing benefactors: Google’s top three executives have offered to salvage the historic landmark. NASA’s response — we’re thinking about it. Continue reading →

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