AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $133 million contract to supply eight tethered aerostat surveillance vehicles for long-term operations.
The Army employed the tethered Persistent Threat Detection System in 2004. The blimp-like aircraft comes equipped with sensors that provide long-term intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications in support of coalition forces.
The helium-filled, lighter-than-air PTDS offers coalition forces with a low-cost option for communication and surveillance not possible with conventional aircraft, Lockheed Martin said.
The tether-based mooring system allows the aircraft to stay aloft for several weeks, while giving it the versatility for diverse locations.
"PTDS is providing our troops in the field with real-time surveillance and valuable intelligence information," said Stephanie Hill, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Defense Technologies business.
The eight additional PTDS vehicles are scheduled for deployment during the next 11 months.
