Aeros is awarded DARPA Aerostructure
Demonstration contract.
September 12, 2008 Los Angeles, California
The United States Department of Defense DARPA (Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency) has awarded a contract to Aeros Aeronautical Systems
Corp. for a Buoyancy Assisted Lift Air Vehicle (BAAV)
Rigid Aerostructure Technology demonstration.
The focus of the BAAV program is a demonstration of the lightweight rigid
aerostructure technology. This will involve analysis leading to a
demonstration air test of the aerostructure under flight load conditions.
Proving that the rigid aerostructure can be both light and strong enough
to accommodate air loads without failure will validate this structural
approach as the air platform basis for a new class of buoyancy assisted
vehicles that are more robust and have 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
– it is an essential design element of the Aeroscraft; an air vehicle that
is designed to control lift in all stages of air or ground operations
including the ability to off-load payload without taking on-board ballast.
In distinct contrast to earlier generation airships, the Aeroscraft is a
heavier-than-air vehicle and generates lift through a combination of
aerodynamics, thrust vectoring and gas buoyancy generation and
management. The key features of the Aeroscraft include the noted rigid
structure, vertical takeoff and landing capability, ability to operate at
low speed and hover, and operate from unprepared surfaces.
This vehicle would provide new capabilities for the warfighter and would be
capable of deploying composite loads of personnel and equipment “from fort
to fight”. It would be capable of conducting search and rescue missions,
emergency relief, hurricane evacuation, airborne hospital and many
others. It would also offer significant benefits to the oil and gas
exploration industry that is operating in remote and ecologically
sensitive areas by allowing a constant access to operating sites with a
minimum environmental impact.
About
the Aeroscraft: The
Aeroscraft is a new type –
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 taking on-board ballast.
The key features of the Aeroscraft include the rigid structure, vertical
takeoff and landing capability, ability to operate at low speed and hover,
and operate 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
