Worldwide Aeros starts producing 40E 'Sky Dragon'
Worldwide Aeros has completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) and started production of its 40E 'Sky Dragon' lighter-than-air (LTA) airship, the company announced on 20 February.
With the production process taking place on schedule, the airship will likely be completed later in 2015 and enter service following type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Tim Kenny, director of engineering, Aeros, said: 'During the recent CDR, Aeros' technical experts from engineering, production and quality control found that the aircraft design was sound, met desired safety levels and demonstrated new system integration successfully.'
The third-generation Sky Dragon airship will succeed the 40B and 40D for enhanced multi-role mission capabilities and surveillance/reconnaissance support. The 40E builds on the 40D's performance strengths and improves on accommodation, operational enhancements and pilot/ passenger improvements.
The 40E Sky Dragon is aimed at addressing the demand for a flexible airship with lower operating costs for supporting various security and ISR missions.
The airship features a flexible payload integration for radar, EO/IR and communications equipment. it has a useful payload capacity greater than one tonne, onboard data workstations or HD downlink for remote camera operation, advanced vectored propulsion and control, added safety features and enhanced landing gear design.
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