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Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID)Table 12: RAID Program OverviewVehicle Class: AerostatMission Set: ISROrganization(s): ArmyPrimary Contractor(s): RaytheonProgram Start: 2003Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 9Figure 19: RAID Aerostat Just After Launch 27The objective of the RAID systems is toprovide persistent, panoramic surveillanceof the covered area, enabling timely warningof potential threats and other events valuedfor intelligence purposes. 28The aerostat is approximately 66 ft. long, 20ft. in diameter and can lift up to 200 lbs. toapproximately 1,000 ft. AGL (assuming padat 0 ft. MSL). Pad elevation above 0 ft. MSLresults in lower maximum operational altitude.Each aerostat system includes a 14 ft.shelter that houses the controls and sensordisplay equipment. Additionally, a mooringstation with tether, helium skids and supportequipment accompany each system. TCOMmanufactures the aerostats. RAID can houseeither a FLIR Star SAFIRE®III or HDEO/IR sensor with laser range finder anddesignator. Map overlay and cameradisplays can be viewed at the ground stationconsoles, but the system is also equipped fornetwork interoperability. Either sensorpayload provides 24/7, 360-degree visualcoverage of an area. RAID can withstandwind of up to 40 kts. on station, 25 kts.during launch or recovery and 55 kts. whilemoored. No hangar is required. A 100 ft.radius is needed for the mooring station andlaunch and recovery. For 24-hour operation,12 operators are required per system with 1FSR required per 3 systems. 28The operational needs statement (ONS) forthe RAID program was started on 1February 2003 in order to help protect U.S.forces against IED emplacements and insurgentattacks during OIF. The RAID programwas a component of JIEDDO’s detectionactivities supporting the Defeat the Devicemission. Between 2003 and 2011, 19operational systems were deployed in OIFand OEF. The 19 systems are currentlybeing stored at the Kuwait Reset Facility,and two additional systems are kept atRedstone Arsenal for training, for a total of21 systems. The primary contractorsupporting the RAID program is Raytheon,who is working as system integrator andoperator. 28The RAID aerostat system was previouslypart of the Persistent Surveillance System(PSS) POR within the Army, but it has been27