| Non-line of sight communication can be a real problem | | | | cameras attached. |
| for UAV Swarms Command and Control without | | | | F.) The Balloon while unattached could have sensors |
| dedicated and reliable satellite links. In the middle of | | | | allowing gas to escape for limited control to remain in |
| fighting within the over all battle space controlling the | | | | the area needed until deflated and the UAV(s) return |
| UAVs is essential. As war turns robotic and the | | | | from their mission. |
| defenses against these robotic warriors maybe limited | | | | G.) The Balloon can verify in the case of single mission |
| and will most likely turn towards EA and | | | | assignment if the objective has been achieved as |
| communication disruption, satellite control may not | | | | planned. |
| always be available. | | | | These ideas are not new and there has been |
| By using Balloons to launch single mission UAVs and | | | | research in this area. Most of the experimentation for |
| UAV swarms, the lighter than air sphere can become | | | | MAVs or UAVs has been from model aircraft |
| a repeater communication point for the command and | | | | technology and has not included research for military |
| control after release. This allows for ease of use | | | | or battlespace operations. Here is an interesting project |
| communication beyond line of sight. There maybe | | | | and good proof of concept. We propose to work with |
| many other benefits to using UAV Balloon | | | | these folks and hire them on as consultants to |
| combinations for launching. For instance: | | | | continue this work. |
| A.) Much fuel is required to attain altitude. This fuel is | | | | By using TeraBeam Technology, UHF, HF, ELF, WiMax |
| saved. | | | | and other communications we wish to try and disrupt |
| B.) UAV can provide a view before launched and then | | | | each of these to find out which combination can |
| be released if a closer look is needed or continue to | | | | provide the best NLOS communication. Many factors |
| loiter. | | | | are of consideration such as possible EA, weather |
| C.) Since the UAV is attached to the balloon the | | | | conditions, stability of platform, controllability of Balloon, |
| power of the UAV can steer the balloon and keep it in | | | | fuel savings and ultimately complete proof of concept |
| place without release. | | | | and readiness for action. We estimate the amount of |
| D.) UAV could be designed to re-unite with the balloon | | | | money need to do this will be $330,000 to complete |
| by flying a hook onto an arresting device. | | | | proof of concept. Have drawings of concept and |
| E.) The Balloon can have additional sensors and | | | | collected all readily available white papers thus far. |