Alternate Power Sources for Aerostats

A feasibility study for the development of a Fuel-to-Aerostat Shuttling Transporter (FAST) is proposed. This powered vehicle would transport liquid fuel from the ground to an aerostat, guided by the non-powered control tether. The fuel carried to the aerostat will be used to produce electricity by running existing liquid-fueled generators on-board the ship. By allowing for the delivery of fuel on a daily basis, the aerostat can be kept on station definitely. This would have significant advantages for medium-altitude (25,000 ft) aerostats that may be used for early warning of incoming airborne threats. The objectives for this program include the full assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed FAST system. This will include a review of the requirements that exist in the civilian sector for aerostat fuel transport systems. Evaluations will be made of the energy efficiency of the propulsion system, the control requirements and the mechanics of the docking and tether guide connections. Also, a detailed conceptual design will be developed for a demonstration FAST system that could be constructed in a Phase II effort.