RT announces SkyStar 180 lease
RT LTA Systems has signed a leasing agreement with the government of an unnamed European nation to provide its SkyStar 180 aerostat system for six months, the company announced on 16 April.
The lease agreement comprises an option to extend the leasing period an additional 30 months, as well as an option to purchase the system.
According to the company, the system will be used by the country's armed forces in various mission profiles.
The SkyStar 180 is small-sized mobile aerostat that is designed for tactical mid-range surveillance and public safety, as well as for police and military applications. It has a stabilised day/night EO payload suspended from a helium-filled aerostat, tethered to a ground system.
The system operates continuously at wind velocity of up to 40 knots, and can carry a payload of up to 20kgs, providing surveillance coverage from an altitude of up to 1,000ft for up to 72 hours, after which it is brought down for a 20-minute helium refill.
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