DRAFT NOTES- MicroLTAs in adverse conditions-

Microblimps have inherent advantages over other aircraft in some tough situations- They are collision and crash tolerant, able to operate in closer quarters with more payload. They continue to fly after major malfunctions and communication gaps without complex autonomy. They fly long after other aircraft have exhausted power and returned to earth. They are safer to operate around people and property.

Adverse Weather and Poor Visibility-

High winds- favor dawn dusk operation, seek terrain wind shadows, favor upwind operation, seek improved performance,

Rain- use water resistant components, no absorptive materials, no pockets

Snow/sleet- allow extra lift/ballast, try roll manouver, favor dark color, use hot gas,

Hail- use tear resistant envelope,

Dark- use navigation lights, head lamp(s), infrared imaging, GPS

Fog/smoke/dust- use GPS, dustsealing

Hot/cold- use temperature rated components, resistive heating, ram air cooling,

Humidity- use sealing, resistive heating, water resistant components, hydrophobic materials (i.e. Scotchguard)

Malfunctions-

Low/no power- use solar charging, smart battery management, reserve battery, mission planning, docking station w/ charging, quick change batteries,

Control/propulsion loss- partial control/propulsion tactics,

Crash/lost- emergency locator beacon, GPS squawk, high visibility (reflective/colors)

Mitigating Countermeasures and Random Interference-

Gunfire- low pressure lifting gas, excess lift/ballast,

EMI/RFI- shielded components, spread spectrum communications,

Radar/lidar/spotter- stealth materials (absorptive and transparent),


Go to ORCA main menu.


Comment to santos@88net.net