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AEROSTATS

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• CUV provides the complete line of Allsopp Helikites

  • Single ply Skyhook: Often used for research applications

  • Dual Ply Desert Star: Very rugged tactical design

  • Payload capability ranges from a few pounds to 250 pounds

• CUV can assist customers in selecting the appropriate size aerostat based on characteristics including:

  • Mission requirements

  • Size [weight, length, etc.] of payload(s)

  • Ground elevation and air temperature

  • Tether weight

  • Safety equipment needed

•  CUV can also modify the aerostat for specific payload mounting or other customer requirements

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TETHERS

• CUV's standard non-powered tethers are very strong, but are made of lightweight materials.  Tethers can be non-powered or powered

  • Non-Powered Tethers

    • Aerostat must be brought down periodically to change out batteries or refuel fuel cells

  • Powered Tethers           

    • Equipped with internal wires and/or fiber-optic lines to transmit power and data to and from the payloads

    • Mission endurance is only limited by the periodic need to "top off" the small amount of helium that has leaked out over multiple days.

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WINCH

• CUV Winches are designed to operate without damaging the tether.  Some standard winches use center shaft gearing which produces heat that can damage lightweight tethers.

• CUV provides several standard types of winches, but can custom design winches to meet customer requirements.

• CUV can provide winches for power / data tethers which have slip rings and rotary fiber-optic joints and are designed to avoid undue stress on the tether internal wires and fibers.

 

SUPPORT EQUIPMENT [INCLUDING FLIGHT SAFETY ITEMS]

• FAA REQUIRED: Safety lights for installation on the aerostat and tether, to alert aircraft and helicopters to the collision danger

• FAA REQUIRED: Devices to automatically deflate the aerostat if the tether becomes detached.

  • GPS-based system

  • Radio-based system

• Basic Support Equipment (included with each system)

  • Stakes and straps to secure the trailer to the ground in high wind conditions

  • Wrenches for attaching the helium tank lines

  • Inflation Blowers for the Helirest cushion

  • Containers for the aerostat

• Support Equipment available to be procured includes:

  • Replacement Support Equipment items

  • Specialized items, for example: A kit for securing the trailer to rocky soil [including a power jackhammer and rock anchors]