Argus One After Attempts

U.S. unmanned reconnaissance Argus One airship passed a series of tests with the new utility compartment and integral drive. According to the designers, the tests proved successful.

About the first phase of tests announced World Surveillance Group Inc.. (WSGI), which is responsible for. Design and construction of an unmanned airship Argus One. Tests carried out a partner WSGI - Eastcor Engineering (ECE) at the Easton Airport with the use of its air traffic control tower. Now Argus One is to pass the official test in Oklahoma Training Center - Unamnned Systems in Lawton and the U.S. Department of Energy Nevada Test Center.

Argus One (Photo: WSGI) unmanned airship is optimized to perform observation missions at medium altitude (3-6 km). Its modular structure of the carrier to facilitate the stabilization and control. Relative position of the modules is controlled depending mikrosiłownikami aerodynamic requirements. Argus One can carry about 15 kg payload and maintain observation for several days.

Located under the front cargo compartment of the module airship Argus One was rebuilt to accommodate the new electronic systems and powerful drive with a larger propeller. The system board has been built in accordance with the principle of plug and pla y to automatically integrate the equipment needed to perform different missions.

During the first tests performed modified Argus One monitored, continuous 2-hour flight. There was no impermissible burden associated with installing new cargo compartment and a stronger drive. The airship also showed good stability and maneuverability and the ability to fly the planned route, even with relatively strong wind.

According to the designers, unmanned airship is more economical and reliable than conventional UAV and observation satellites. Argus One can be easily transported to the area of ​​operation and does not require special hangars, which reduces the cost of operating the system. The design and geometry make it is difficult to detect by radar - in practice, the electromagnetic waves reflected from the load compartment only.