Air Launch Balloon System

The Air Launched Balloon System (ALBS) is a new balloon technology enabling very long distance UAV missions. The primary component of the ALBS is a black open bottom balloon, which can be dropped from either a piloted aircraft or drone like any other paradrop. After being dropped, the balloon inflates within seconds, just like a parachute. Once deployed, the ALBS’s black coloration allows it to be heated by sunlight, thereby providing lift. The amount of lift can be regulated by using a valve system, for example by having a parachute valve at the top of the balloon. To descend, the valve is opened, letting hot air out the top of the balloon and cold air in the bottom, reducing lift. To ascend, the valve is closed causing the air caught in the balloon to heat up. The ALBS solves many problems afflicting the use of conventional ground-launched balloons in a warfighting environment.No hydrogen or helium is required, eliminating associated logistical and cost issues. Surface winds are irrelevant. Launches do not need to be done from open fields, eliminating such vulnerability. Launches are quick. Hundreds of balloons can be readily launched at once, enabling swarm operations. Launches can be done from locations where ground launch teams cannot be sent, including mountains, swamps, contested territory, over sea, and even from space, and can be done on very short notice, greatly improving readiness and responsiveness.Launch Personnel do not require special training in the art of balloon launching. Launch operations are conducted like any other paradrop. The ALBS solar balloon is much less vulnerable than conventional balloons. It cannot be brought down  by small hole. In fact even several bullet holes will not bring it down, as hot air leaked from such damage can be readily replaced by new air entering from below.  The ALBS can fly stably at a specified altitude, without any need for a ballasting system.The ALBS can maneuver by changing altitude using a vent valve, unconstrained by the amount of consumable ballast it can carry. This greatly increases system maneuverability.The ALBS can readily be used to launch large payloads, rapidly, in large numbers, as it is unconstrained by lift gas logistics, personnel training, or launch time requirements.Pegasus Aerospace has flown over 750 balloons in combat in Ukraine and brings unmatched experience and insight into the requirements for successful tactical balloon operations. In the proposed program, we will design, build, test, and demonstrate operation of an ALBS capable of air drop deployment and controllable flight carrying 5 kg or more at an altitude of 10 km or more. It will also demonstrate the ability of this system to support useful ISR functions by developing and demonstrating a winged glider payload that can be dropped from this system at high altitude and then reach and dwell to survey target area of interest at least 200 km away from the balloon launch site.