Military Use Airships

BOSCH Aerospace is the developer, operator, and manufacturer of a series of unmanned surveillance airships known as SASS LITE (Small Airship Surveillance System, Low Intensity Target Exploitation). These airships (under development and in operations since 1988) were designed to provide long endurance surveillance and reconnaissance in a wide range of military operational areas.

SASS LITE has been used for border surveillance, waterway surveillance, search and rescue, instrumentation for missile data collection, and radio relay operations.
SASS LITE takes advantage of the many years of blimp experience gained by the US military since the early 1900's. The design goals specifically called for reduction in blimp systems cost, crew size, and training versus the manned blimps which were phased out of the US Military in the 1960's. The development met each of these goals and more.
RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM: SASS LITE is equipped with a triple redundancy radio control system. Its primary control link is in the "L" band microwave frequencies. An autotrack dish antenna is used to provide direct control to 100 kilometers. Video downlink is also accomplished in this frequency range. The "L" band data links are backed-up with a function matched "P" band data link system which is equipped with Yaggi directional antennas. These systems are interfaced to a digital autopilot and GPS navigator which facilitates autonomous navigation beyond radio line of sight. An independent, battery powered, multi-function Flight Termination System (FTS)is carried on the nose ring of the airship.This FTS system allows for engine shutdown, ballast, and helium vent control, and includes a hot wire burn system, The shutdown and vent control features allow for "FREE BALLOON" operations to a desirable landing site, while the burn wire can be activated to destroy the ship inflight if mandated by military necessity. Electronics are jam resistant and the primary system is military hardened.

Control servos are high grade commercial items chosen for their durability and proven life cycles. The tail servos are similar to the rotary servos used by Goodyear. The servos are connected to the RF link via hard wire and MILSPEC Cannon connectors. Extensive water proofing and forced air cooling is used to maintain strong heat extraction from electronic bays. All electronics are located in impact resistant compartments on the envelope or power car.
An advanced digital switching and telemetry system allows the ground operators to control all airship functions, and the payload. Three 9600 baud digital links are embedded in the data link system to facilitate control of the many tens of functions needed in a sophisticated airship. Automated control devices such as pressure control, vents, and auto-navigation can be instantly over-riden by the pilot through the digital link structure.
PAYLOADS: SASS LITE can be equipped with a variety of sensors, radio relays, scientific instruments, or Electronic Warfare devices.
Its payload attaching system facilitates fast changeout of payloads, and installation of a wide range of payload shapes, volumes, and weights. The current airship carries loads of approximately 400 lb (190 Kg) and it is capable of greater loads with reduced fuel loads.

SASS LITE has carried multiple Infrared and visible cameras on independent gimbals on a single mission, as well as a combination multi-spectral payload that included radar, IR, and Visible light sensors interfaced via a software bridge. Power for payloads is provided by two onboard alternators delivering a total of 3250 watts at 24 VDC.

SIZE and PERFORMANCE: A variety of SASS LITE versions have been built.
They ships manufactured to date include the following envelope sizes:
Ship Number 001 & 002: 12,000 ft3 volume, 60X20 feet-Single 42 hp
Ship Number 003: 17,000 ft3 volume, 72X21 feet-Single 42 hp
Ship Number 004: 22,000 ft3 volume, 82X22 feet-Single 42 hp
Ship Number 005: 30,000 ft3 volume, 92X25 feet-Dual Engine
Ship Number 006: 34,500 ft3 volume, 100X25 feet-Dual Engine

The airships operate in speed ranges to 45 mph maximum. Typical mission
speeds are on the order of 25 - 35 miles per hour. Endurance of 12 to 24
hours can be obtained, or greater endurance can be achieved by custom
designs. The dual engine versions have vectored thrust to enhance launch
and recovery with small crews. Maximum crew size is 5 individuals for the
airships discussed above. Ceilings vary from 5000 feet AGL to 6000 AGL on
the various designs. Typical mission altitudes are
on the order of 2500 to 3500 feet. Higher altitudes can be achieve by
installation of larger pressure control ballonets.

Drawing Board: A new airship for use in Cruise Missile and Air Defense is on our drawing board. This airship, known as the Advanced Unmanned Reconnaissance Airship (AURA) will be capable of carrying 1.5 tonns of radar and optical payload to 10,000 feet altitudes, for periods of up to 36 hours. AURA will be 160 feet in length, and will have a volume of over 200,000 ft3. Its maximum forward speed will be 55 MPH with cruise speed of 40 MPH. The digital switching and RF control links discussed above will be installed on AURA, as will be the thrusted vector system and twin engine configurtion currently flying on SASS LITE. A direct satellite communications link will be installed to allow constant data link beyond radio line of sight. AURA is expected to be capable of trans-oceanic flight when equipped with auxillary fuel tanks.
SALES: BOSCH Aerospace is a US Defense Contractor and complies with all US Export Rules. Export of SASS LITE is authorized under U.S. Regulations pertaining to International Trade in Arms (ITAR). The airship is listed under critical military technology and is exported in accordance with rules pertaining to such technology. Qualified purchasers may purchase the craft directly from BOSCH Aerospace, or via US Army Foreign Military Sales (FMS) routes.

*Cornell University U.S. Code
BOSCH Offers unmanned airships, spares, training, and long term technical support to qualified buyers.We will assist in procurement of sensors and integration of these devices to the airship. Limited Warranty is provided with the airship. Demonstrations of the airship are normally conducted in conjunction with US Military missions. Deliver times and cost are directly related to the users requirements and sensor types needed. Interested parties should contact our headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.
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