The Powered Balloon System

Abstract

The concept, present status and basic problems involved in developing a powered station-keeping balloon with moderate payload capability (approx. 200 pounds) are outlined. The POBAL balloon will float in the seasonal minimum wind fields (60,000-90,000 feet). By supplying enough thrust to overcome the wind- drag forces, the balloon will be kept hovering above a designated location for a duration limited by its fuel supply. The feasibility, choice of balloon design, predicted durations for candidate propulsion methods and other pertinent considerations are discussed. A demonstration flight system using available system components is described. The eventual POBAL capability is contrasted with that of drones and several immediate applications for an operational POBAL system are described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0770958

Entities

People

  • A. Korn
  • Richard C. Leclaire

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Balloons
  • Computer Programs
  • Fuel Cells
  • High Altitude
  • Loran
  • Navigation
  • Navigational Equipment
  • New Hampshire
  • Power Supplies
  • Powered Balloons
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Panels
  • Turbines
  • United States

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Fault Tolerant Diagnosis of Black and White Balloon Isolation Tests Using ¥.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy