World Surveillance Group Inc. has announced that it has completed a demonstration of the Blimp in a Box (“BiB”) aerostat system for members of the Department of Defense and a defense partner. The demonstration was conducted in Florida and illustrated the BiB’s capabilities for mission critical applications.
The BiB is designed to provide real-time day/night high definition footage for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (“ISR”), detection of improvised explosive devices, border security and other governmental and civilian uses. The BiB turn-key aerostat system is packaged in a box that is mounted to or towed from the back of a MAT-V, HUMVEE, pickup truck or other comparable vehicle. It can be rapidly deployed within minutes by a two-person crew and is activated by the push of a button.
Once activated, the prepackaged envelope, which carries a day/night electro-optical/infrared camera with laser capable payload, automatically inflates to the applicable pressure and is secured to the vehicle by a data capable tether. The BiB system is released from the vehicle by an automated launch and recovery system to an operational low altitude appropriate for the application and can provide critical detection capabilities for several miles.
Once deployed to the operational altitude, the vehicle can proceed on its mission over any terrain with the BiB system fully functional at altitude. Following completion of a mission, the BiB system is designed to quickly be recovered and be redeployed at the next mission destination.
WSGI President and CEO Glenn D. Estrella stated, “We are excited to have had the opportunity to demonstrate the Blimp in a Box aerostat system to potential customers and our defense partner. We believe the BiB’s capabilities can assist our troops to meet critical challenges such as the detection of hidden IEDs and the provision of aerial ISR in various situations.”
Source: Press Release