Operational Feasibility Study of High Altitude Balloon Platform based on the Wind Environment in South Korea

Abstract

Naval helicopters flying at extremely low altitudes often face communication problems when the helicopter is located in the distance from the mother ship. Accordingly, new attention is being cast on the high altitude balloon (HAB) to solve this problem due to its cost-effectiveness and ability of rapid deployment to the battlefield. The balloon is one of a lighter-than-air vehicle that the blowing wind determines its speed, direction, and travel distance. Therefore, it is likely that seasonal changes in wind conditions will restrict the operation of the balloon. In this paper, the feasibility study of the balloon, which is regarded as a future communication relay platform, on the theater of operation of the Republic of Korea Navy the First Fleet was performed. The trends of the balloon trajectory for five years (2014 ~ 2018) with respect to seasonal wind variations were investigated employing the numerical trajectory prediction program. Simulated balloon trajectories of summer and winter showed considerable differences due to seasonal wind. Summer season was found that it has the most favorite flight environment for the balloon campaign. Upon reflecting on the simulation results, the HAB operating procedure, which capitalised on the Ulleungdo, was also suggested.