lighter-than-air vehicles - Defense Innovation Marketplace

Small, Tactical, Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS)Vehicle Class: AerostatMission Set: ISR/Force ProtectionOrganization(s): Army REFPrimary Contractor(s): CarolinaUnmanned Vehicles, GTRIProgram Start: 2011Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 6Table 16: STMPAS Program OverviewFigure 23: STMPAS When Deployed 31In June 2011, the Army REF initiatedSTMPAS to provide an affordable, smallscale,mobile aerostat platform for ISR andforce protection support to small operationalforces deployed in remote and austereFOBs/COPs that would otherwise lackorganic surveillance capabilities. The REF isworking on STMPAS in Raleigh, NorthCarolina, Atlanta, Georgia, and an as-yet-tobe-determinedFOB in OEF. 18The REF has acquired two STMPASsystems (technical specifications highlightedin Table 17) for testing and FOA. The REFdelivered and is testing the systems at theElectronic Proving Ground (EPG), FortHuachuca, Arizona to obtain a safetyconfirmation and verify performancecapabilities. A CONUS user evaluation isplanned at the Maneuver Battle Lab, FortBenning, Georgia to obtain soldier feedbackon the system. Following the user evaluation,the REF will deploy systems in OEFto begin the operational assessment. 18At the time of writing, the REF was activelytesting the payloads and the aerostat system,with an initial report expected in FY12.Initial test results have demonstrated theexpected flight dynamics and durability ofthe system even under high loads and otheradverse conditions. Payload capacity (withno wind) may not be sufficient for high-basealtitudes or in extreme heat. Block 0 payloadprovides a lightweight capability for theseconditions. Slightly larger envelope sizesmay also be utilized by the system in thefuture to enhance capacity. 18Short-term goals include complete systemtesting to obtain safety confirmation foraerostat configuration; conduct userevaluation at Fort Benning, Georgia; anddeploy two systems to OEF as part of anFOA for light aerostat systems. 18The STMPAS system was purchased inFY11 with Army REF funding. The ArmyREF is currently evaluating STMPAS andAltus and comparing the systems tocurrently deployed REAP XL B systems.32