lighter-than-air vehicles - Defense Innovation Marketplace

Table 9: PGSS Technical SpecificationsTIF 25K TCOM 22M TCOM 28MLength 75 ft. 76 ft. 99 ft.Width 25 ft. 29 ft. 38 ft.Height 25 ft. 35 ft. 46 ft.Volume 25,500 cu. ft. 28,200 cu. ft. 55,300 cu. ft.Max Payload 250 lbs. 450 lbs. 900 lbs.Duration 14 days 14 days 28 daysFlight Ceiling: 6K–9K ft. MSLCrew: 6–8 per system (contractor)Payload Options: Wescam MX-15 HDi, FLIR 380 HD, UTAMS, COMMS relay packages,EUGS, WASSMax Payload (dependent on MSL pad elevation)Figure 16: Underside of PGSS Showing PayloadSupport 24Development, assessment and subsequentdelivery of the first PGSS system to theaterwas completed within 6 months of programinception. The Army G-2 then authorizedpurchase of additional systems. The PGSSprogram is currently delivering new systemsand capabilities, while sustaining existingsystems. The PGSS Program met and iscurrently achieving cost, schedule, andperformance goals. Each system requires acrew of 7 for the TIF 25K and TCOM 22Mmodels, while the TCOM 28M requires 8personnel. FSRs are allocated on a need-byneedbasis and depend on the component inneed of repair. TCOM is now the primaryplatform provider. L-3 Wescam provides themain EO/IR sensors for PGSS and forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) cameras arecurrently being tested and deployed. As ofthis report, 59 systems have been deliveredto the OEF theater of operations. 23Programmatic challenges have included highcrew attrition rates due to austere FOBconditions. This is being addressed bysupplementing sites with additional crewmembers and providing accelerated training.Other challenges include difficulties withlogistics and supply chains for components,platforms, and helium movement withintheater. High helium demand is hindered bylow supply or limited access due tounsecured supply lines. Continuous processimprovement and lessons learned in theaterare used to mitigate supply issues. Currentprogram plans are to continue providing ISRand force protection capabilities to FOBs22