The Aerostat

The aerostat is a modern version of well proven aerostat designs, the aim being to provide a camera platform with almost ‘infinite’ loiter time over a location. Advantages: 

·         The aerostat is a stable and totally silent aerial camera platform. 

·         The aerostat’s avionics and camera systems are powered from the ground through a power uplink integrated into the main tether cable. This means almost infinite aerial loiter times - the only limiting factors being the camera configurations (DVCAM tape, for example) and extreme weather conditions.

·         The aerostat has a fibre optic downlink incorporated into the main tether cable, allowing it to provide a direct feed to a directing unit on the ground. The same facility can also be provided through a microwave downlink fitted to the platform. 

·         The aerostat can operate below 60m (180 feet) without CAA authorisation – although we use an integrated risk assessment process that updates the CAA where appropriate. Above 60m, CAA approval is required with 28 days advance notice. Planning with all other interested parties – event organisers, councils, police, etc. is included in the pre-event risk assessment process. 

·         Weather is a constraint for the aerostat. Wet conditions are not desirable. High winds create swaying (yaw) on the cable, but integral ‘damping’ and camera stabilisation cancels this out in most cases when filming. Further reduction techniques have been designed to reduce the yaw in confined - especially urban – environments. To date the aerostat has operated comfortably in sustained winds up to 40mph (Gale Force 4) 

·         The aerostat’s payload lift (at sea level) is approx. 38 kg. It can be launched within two hours and can remain airborne continuously by day and by night. 

·         Camera configurations are totally flexible. Currently, the aerostat is configured for the simultaneous operation of an HD pod, 360 degree video (reduced to 180 degree coverage below the aerostat) and a MW downlink (or data relay link). For night operations (wildlife, security, etc.) infra-red or thermal imaging can be fitted. In the case of crisis management situations an environmental monitoring pod can be fitted. 

·         Like the airship it is totally air portable.