lighter-than-air vehicles - Defense Innovation Marketplace

Long Endurance Multi-INT Vehicle (LEMV)Vehicle Class: Hybrid AirshipMission Set: Low-Altitude ISROrganization(s): U.S. ArmySMDC/ARSTRATPrimary Contractor(s): NorthropGrumman, Hybrid Air Vehicles (UK)PM/POC: Mr. Dale Perry, SMDCProgram Start: 2010Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 6Current Status: Preparing for first flightin mid-June 2012Table 29: LEMV Program OverviewFigure 45: Illustration of LEMV Hybrid Airship 45Figure 46: Photo of LEMV in Hangar during SystemIntegration 46The Long Endurance Multi-intelligenceVehicle (LEMV) is an optionally manned,hybrid airship currently under developmentto provide a long-endurance (up to 21 daysunrefueled) capability for persistent ISRmissions. The current vehicle is intended forlow-altitude (up to 20,000 ft. MSL) ISRmissions, but concurrent research has beenconducted to modify the vehicle for use inheavy-airlift logistics applications as well.The LEMV is being developed by the Armyunder the leadership of the SMDC andArmy Forces STRATegic Command(ARSTRAT). Northrup Grumman is theprimary contractor on the effort with supportfrom UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles(HAV). 47The LEMV is the first hybrid air vehicleintended for operational deployment. It usesa combination of buoyancy, aerodynamic lift(up to 30%), and vectored thrust to take offat greater heaviness and land at greaterlightness than possible with conventionalairships. Vectored thrust is provided by theLEMV’s four Thielert/Centurion heavy-fuelengines, which enable ground maneuvers inaddition to supporting takeoff and landing. 47The result is increased payload and/orgreater fuel capacity for long-endurancemissions. Flight control can be provided byan onboard pilot, remote pilot control from aGCS, or an autonomous flight controlsystem. 47 The LEMV will be optionallypiloted for self-deployment, training andmaintenance check flights in the NationalAirspace System and internationally. The50