HELIKITE ELEVATED PLATFORM - TEST RELAY

The Helikite Elevated Platform ? Test Relay (HEP-TR) consists of a communications relay payload suspended from a new type of small tethered blimp, called a Helikite, and a Carrier that stores the Helikite and the winch, sensors and helium tanks. TheHEP-TR blimp can be flown at several thousand feet altitude for low cost, long term test communications relay coverage of large areas. It is highly mobile and easily redeployed for various test scenarios. HEP-TR can provide relay coverage out to 100nautical miles for 24 hours a day for a week or more without maintenance or downtime. HEP-TR is far smaller and more versatile than any comparable unit. The patented Helikite supports more payload for its size than any ordinary blimp and can operate inmuch higher winds than traditional blimp designs, improving system utility and capability in adverse weather. HEP-TR requires only a two person crew and is far less expensive than any competitive approach. Much of the relay electronics equipment is inthe ground vehicle, rather than being airborne, allowing greater use of COTS electronics, greatly reducing the cost compared to custom designed avionics mounted in an aircraft or UAV. HEP-TR will provide communications relay for weeks at a time at afraction of the cost of comparable aircraft or UAV systems. It requires fewer personnel, who do not have to be highly trained pilots or UAV operators. It has much lower operating costs. It meets all FAA regulations and does not require specialpermission to operate in FAA controlled airspace, as do many UAVs.