Abstract
Introduction T air-launched balloon system (ALBS) development program is an Air Force in-house effort, the aim of which has been to develop techniques applicable to the midair deployment and inflation of large balloons. The balloons so launched would serve as high altitude sensor or communications relay platforms. The ALBS package, which weighs approximately 2275 Ib, is extracted from a C-130 aircraft at 25,000 ft. After the 158,000-ft balloon is deployed and inflated, it rises with its 200-lb payload to a float altitude of 70,000 ft. The inflation equipment is recovered separately. The first phase of the program was described at the AIAA 6th Aerodynamic Decelerator and Balloon Technology Conference. This Note will describe system design modifications accomplished subsequently and full-scale flight tests carried out to demonstrate ALBS performance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
