Ozone and UV Resistant Fabrics for High Altitude Airships(1000-626)

Triton Systems proposes to develop a lightweight, environmentally stable, high tenacity fabric for use as the skin material of the High Altitude Airship (HAA). Since HAAs will be stationed at ~70,000 ft, there are many environmental issues it must deal with. The HAA will be subjected to daily thermal cycling of -90°C to 90°C and chemical attacks from ultraviolet radiation and ozone. The skin fabric must have a tensile strength of 1000 lbs/in, be 3.5 oz/yd2, and have minimal creep. Triton Systems will evaluate advanced fiber and coating materials while considering manufacturing issues, such as cost, speed, materials availability). The proposed fabric will incorporate high tenacity fibers with protective coatings. The coatings will help protect the underlying fibers from the detrimental affects of ultraviolet radiation and ozone. Furthermore, the fabric will be manufactured to minimize creep and weight, while maximizing tensile strength. Triton Systems will utilize its knowledge and experience in the fabrication of environmentally durable polymers, high performance fiber coatings, and textile fabric manufacturing.