CUV debuts new tactical aerostat

The latest version of Carolina Unmanned Vehicles’(CUV) Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS), called STMPAS-II has made its debut at the North Carolina Federal Advanced Technologies Review (NCFATR) at the McKimmon Conference & Training Center in Raleigh.

The original STMPAS system was developed for the Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF), for deployment to Afghanistan, where it provided ISR capabilities for small tactical units. Eight units in total were acquired by the REF.

CUV has developed STMPAS-II to carry ISR and communications payloads attached under a small specially designed tethered blimp, called a Helikite.

STMPAS-II improvements include launch directly from a box on the trailer top rather than from the ground, improving launch time and reducing issues with muddy or rocky ground, while allowing movement of the system with the Helikite inflated atop the trailer.

The Helirest air inflated unit has been moved to the trailer top where it restrains and protects to the Helikite during inflation, deflation and ground storage. Winch models are available that can accommodate up to 10,000 ft of tether, and can be equipped with electrical slip rings and fibre optic rotary joints for power/data tethers. Several models of on-board generators are also available.

The STMPAS blimp can fly at altitudes of 500 to 10,000 ft for long term coverage for 24 hours a day for a week or more without maintenance or downtime. Unlike many aerostats, the system can operate in high winds due to Helikites’ lifting surfaces that generate aerodynamic lift to support the blimp in winds. This allows STMPAS to be smaller and more mobile than traditional aerostat systems while still operating in high winds.

STMPAS is designed to support mobile or expeditionary operations, but may be employed in static missions such as a force protection measure at a small Forward Operating Base (FOB) that cannot logistically support a larger aerostat system. It can also be used for mobile border security and post-disaster communications support.