CYCLONE FLIGHT 711

Developed by Aerostar

Balloon launched on 10/8/2024, from TCOM Manufacturing & Flight Test Facility, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

This balloon flight was a demonstration launch performed by Aerostar of one of their "Cyclone" zero-pressure systems. The flight was performed from the premises of TCOM Holdings facility in Elizabeth City, North Carolina during a leadership meeting of the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), a key organization within the U.S. Army tasked with the development, acquisition, and lifecycle management of systems related to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), and sensor technologies.

During the visit, PM TS leadership reviewed developments within its five product offices, including Product Director Aerostats, and toured the aerostat facility to witness the latest advances in aerostat: Tethered-Unmanned Aerial Systems and High-Altitude Balloons technology.

Some Background

The relationship between TCOM Holdings and Aerostar International stems from TCOM's acquisition of Aerostar, which was previously a division of Raven Industries. This transaction, finalized in 2022, allowed Aerostar to become an operating unit of TCOM Holdings. Both companies focus on ISR technologies, and the acquisition aimed to enhance TCOM's capabilities in multi-domain awareness solutions by incorporating Aerostar's expertise in stratospheric platforms, radar systems, and sensor integration.

This strategic alignment enables TCOM to combine its tethered aerostat platforms with Aerostar's stratospheric balloon technology and advanced radar systems. Together, they provide solutions for border security, maritime and air surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection. The collaboration expands TCOM's offerings to defense, homeland security, and allied military clients.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 10/8/2024 at 13:15 UTC
Launch site: TCOM Manufacturing & Flight Test Facility, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, US  
Balloon launched by: Aerostar
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon  
Flight identification number: HBAL711
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 10/9/2024
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): + 28 h
Landing site: Last known position 550 km NNE of Bermuda

External references

Images of the mission

         

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