The BAE Systems GA22 is an unmanned airship demonstrator programme in response to a need for low cost, long endurance UAV platform. Lindstrand Technologies is a major contributor to the programme.

Development

The original design has been updated allowing it to carry payloads such as high-tech surveillance equipment up to 150kg (330.69lbs) in weight and to heights of more than 6,500ft (1981.2m). The GA22 is also being made from newer and lighter materials in an aim to improve its performance. As of 2008 the airship is radio controlled, but BAE plan to make it fully autonomous. BAE believe that the redevelopment of the airship will allow it to be deployed into a diverse range of roles such as monitoring forest fires or acting as communications relay station.

Specifications

Source: * Length: 24m (78.74ft) * Width: 7.8m (25.59ft) * Height: 9m (29.53ft) * Max takeoff weight: 720kg (1587.33lbs) * Cruising flight speed: 50km/h (31.07mph) * Max flight speed: 60km/h (37.28mph)

References

British Aerospace aircraft Unmanned aerial vehicles of the United Kingdom Unmanned blimps {{UAV-stub

Development

Specifications

See also

References