KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 17 (UPI) -- An initial trailer-mounted aerostat launcher and six aerostats have been delivered to BAE Systems in support of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
The aerostats from Lighter Than Air Systems Corp., a subsidiary of World Surveillance Group Inc., are undergoing testing and evaluation for various mission profiles.
World Surveillance Group said the aerostats will enhance encrypted communications for troops in the field by extending the communications distance of field radios by 20 miles.
The LTAS aerostat systems include fixed and remote controls, custom software and electronics and self-contained helium storage with rapid inflation and deflation systems for simplified user operation.
"We are excited by this opportunity to provide our systems and aerostats to customers who can witness their effectiveness at providing critical communications solutions to support the Army," said WSGI President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn D. Estrella. "We are committed to continually improving our products to meet the stated needs of our customers so as to deliver proven turn-key solutions that provide the customer's desired results."
LTAS expects to deliver a second launching system to BAE Systems later this year.
