Tethered aerostats are Buoyant Aircraft (BA) able to serve long endurance fixed location high aerial platform duties. LSL’s new type, as pictured here, has a lenticular (discus) omni-directional (OD) form with a central riser or flying-line system using a winch or towing vehicle that allows their ascent to great heights. They provide a relocatable aerial platform for people and/or systems, recovered to ground level for mooring in a low-level way when not in use that obviates need for weathervane action; safely holding the aerostat under storm conditions and allowing outdoor inflation, assembly, operation and maintenance anywhere.
The small LS-L6T prototype shown was a way to get test data for larger and dirigible variants (OD airships) using the same aerostat & ground methods. The prototype and its ground arrangements are near ready for series production, enabling early revenue for further developments.
Bigger types are possible based on the LS-L6T series, notionally able for payloads as follows: LS-L6T (Ø6 m) 20 kg, LS-L15T (Ø15 m) 200 kg, LS-L20T (Ø20 m) 600 kg and LS-L40T (Ø40 m) 5000 kg payloads.
Note: payload scales with air displacement volume, enabling much bigger payloads than perhaps expected as size increases. However, LSL is a small enterprise, where costs depend on the airworthiness category they fall under.
With reduced drag form, they drift downwind less than spherical or other bulbous balloon types do, are steadier and, when moored, manage storms.
LSL is interested to work with aerostat producers and operators to enable them under agreeable terms for cooperation. In return, LSL will take responsibility for the R&D work, certification, guidance and support necessary. Further information from contact.
Naturally, designs for high altitudes and other sizes would follow – depending on operators’ and customers’ needs.
Notes:
- The fin design is retractable but notional.
- Further types suiting customer needs are possible, which may be arranged through contact.
- Although designs for the larger and manned types have been prepared they are not ready for prototype production, test or the certification programme yet, needing finance to continue.
- Please contact us if you would like to support their further development or be an operator.