October 2023- The United States Army is seeking to modernize its current aerostat lighter-than-air vehicles to be suitable for 21st century battlefields. This revamp aims to equip aerostats with autonomous functions, which can decrease personnel and logistics requirements while enhancing operational flexibility. These technological improvements create opportunities like adding counter-drone weapons, which could transform the struggle against the spread of drones in modern combat. Overall, the Army wants to significantly upgrade its existing aerostat fleet to have advanced capabilities fitting for the modern era. This includes autonomous features to lessen demands on staffing and supplies, while expanding operational versatility. One potential application is mounting anti-drone armaments, which could change the course of the ongoing conflict against drone proliferation in today's warfare.
August 2023- An Israeli firm called RT LTA has shown a new use for its SkyStar 120 aerostat by connecting the balloon to a quadcopter and a small all-terrain vehicle to make a system named Sky-High for a 'local client', as the business calls it. The system is meant for various tactical operations like gathering intelligence in open and urban zones, as well as safeguarding strategic resources and military actions including directing interception units.
March 2023- RT Aerostat Systems, an Israeli company that designs, develops, and manufactures the SkyStarTM line of aerostats for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications uses, has launched the SkyStar 140, a cellular geo-location-equipped mini-aerostat. The SkyStar 140 can monitor any environment, functioning in severely damaged urban areas and open spaces impacted by hurricanes and flooding. Simple to operate, its rapid activation provides a quick reaction when time is essential to help the wounded and save lives.
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Key Companies Aerostat Systems Industry
- TCOM LP (US)
- Aero Drum Ltd (UK)
- RT LTA Systems Ltd (Israel)
- Augur RosAeroSystems (Russia)
- Raytheon Company (US),
- DRONE Aviation Corp (US),
- Raven Industries Inc. (US),
- ILC Dover, LP (US),
- Lindstrand Technologies Ltd (US)
