Advanced Balloon Manufacturing for Defence

Summary:

Raven Aerostar, a division of Raven Industries, specializes in producing high-altitude balloons and advanced aerostats. These balloons serve as platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communication. Their innovative design and engineering provide cost-effective solutions compared to traditional satellite systems, ensuring mission success in dynamic environments. These systems are solar-powered and rely on AI-driven wind navigation models, which minimize demands on personnel and the environment. 

Problem Statement: 

The U.S. Department of Defense required a scalable, low-cost alternative to satellite systems for ISR and communication applications in remote and contested regions. Traditional systems were often limited by high costs, launch requirements, and vulnerability to adversarial attacks. A solution is needed to provide persistent surveillance and reliable data transmission while maintaining a minimal operational footprint.

AI Solution Overview:

Raven Aerostar manufactures advanced high-altitude balloons equipped with a flight control unit powered by batteries recharged using solar panels. These balloons include a payload electronics package responsible for ensuring flight safety, navigation, and communication. By leveraging wind currents, the balloons can follow specific flight paths, using variations in wind speed and direction to navigate toward target locations.

To enhance their performance, Raven Aerostar employs a proprietary machine-learning algorithm that predicts wind patterns and processes incoming sensor data in real-time. A dedicated software system oversees the piloting and monitoring of the balloon fleet, supported by a mission operations center staffed by skilled flight engineers around the clock.

These balloons provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft and satellites, capable of being built and deployed much faster and at a fraction of the cost. While operating balloons for weeks or months costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, deploying and maintaining aircraft or satellites can run into millions or even tens of millions.

Raven Aerostar collaborates with Silvus to transform multi-domain capabilities for defense, public safety, and disaster management. By using a systems-of-systems approach, their solution establishes robust communication networks that unify operational assets across challenging environments. The Thunderhead Stratospheric Balloon Systems offer persistent and cost-effective capabilities, with an operational range extending hundreds of miles. 

When integrated with Silvus StreamCaster MANET mesh radios, the system is built to endure harsh conditions and excel in contested areas, making it an invaluable asset for critical missions.

References: 

1. STRATOSPHERIC AIRBORNE COMMUNICATIONS RELAY. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/com-aerostar-cdn/general-uploads/AERO_Silvus_Sales_Sheet_Blue-1.pdf?mtime=20240917121349
2. U.S. military’s newest weapon against China and Russia: Hot air. https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/05/u-s-militarys-newest-weapon-against-china-and-russia-hot-air-00043860

Industry: Defense

Vendors: Raven Aerostar and Silvus

Publication Date: 2022