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.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
