The focus of the BAAV program was to demonstrate a semi-monocoque
structure of rigid design (Aerostructure) for a buoyancy assisted lift air
vehicle. During successful Structure Integrity testing, Aeros conducted
scaled demonstrations that indicate that in a full scale vehicle, a rigid
aerostructure can be both light and strong enough to accommodate
high-speed dynamic air loads without failure. The Buoyancy Demonstration
test validated this structural approach as the air platform basis for a
new class of buoyancy assisted vehicles that is more robust and has
potentially greater military utility. New missions that require extended
speed, range, and loiter times would be enabled.
The Aerostructure, essentially the body of the air vehicle, is one of the
main technology elements of the new type of variable buoyancy air vehicle.
Aeros plans to implement the Aerostructure and other technologies
demonstrated under the DARPA program on a full scale version of the BAAV
vehicle known as an Aeroscraft. The key features of the Aeroscraft
include the noted rigid structure, a dynamic buoyancy management system,
vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, and the ability to operate at
low speed, in hover, and from unprepared surfaces.
The variable buoyancy air vehicle is designed to offer new capabilities to
the warfighter by deploying composite payloads of personnel and equipment
“from fort to fight”. The vehicle’s design would allow for the support of
a multitude of missions including search and rescue, emergency relief,
hurricane evacuation, airborne medical aid and many others. It would also
offer significant benefits to companies that operate in remote and
ecologically sensitive areas such as oil and gas and wind energy
industries, by allowing constant access to operating sites with minimum
environmental impact.
About
the Aeroscraft: The Aeroscraft is a new type of rigid air vehicle – the
variable buoyancy air vehicle designed to control lift in all stages of
air or ground operations including the ability to off-load payload without
re-ballasting. The key features of the Aeroscraft include the rigid
structure, vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, and the ability to
operate at low speed, in hover, and from unprepared surfaces.
About
Aeros: Aeros is the
world's leading lighter-than-air, FAA-certified aircraft manufacturing
company. The company's operations involve the research, development,
production, operation and marketing of a complete family of Aeros-branded
air vehicles used in government and commercial applications. These include
non-rigid FAA Type Certified Aeros 40D Sky Dragon Airships, Advanced
Tethered Aerostatic Systems and New Type Rigid Air Vehicle - Aeroscraft.
For more information please visit
www.aerosml.com
Aeroscraft and Aeros are registered trade marks.
Contact: Edward
Pevzner
Tel.
323.201.8306 Edward@AerosML.com
