Unmanned Small Airship System (USAS)

ADRDE is developing an Unmanned Small Airship System (USAS) which is a non-rigid, aerodynamically shaped autonomous guided and controlled platform. The Airship is made up of advanced coated fabric having a very high helium retention capability making it useful for longer operational profile. It is equipped with Flight Control Computer with necessary sensors suite for Autonomous GNC with manual override capability, fuel based independent vector controlled propulsion system provides a greater degree of control and fulfil the thrust requirement of the system. The lab has already developed & demonstrated a scaled down flying autonomous airship and now realization of USAS of required capability is under process. USAS equipped with appropriate sensors as payloads that could be used for various applications such as coastal/border area surveillance & monitoring, relay of communication signals, high resolution photography etc.