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Holter, solid info. Competition clings to infrastructure
Thanks for that.
There is no doubt the industrialized world is in the middle of a major alteration to it's communications ecosystem, where newly competitive organisms (like this power-line for broadband approach) may cling and set root on the abundant infrastructure present. Ultimately, competitive advantage leads to replication (in other regions) and to succession over it's neighbors. As we both see, GTE's best-fit in telecom (assuming it lacks major partners...like say an Intel) is in poor soil. No infrastructure.
Let's see if we can grow in Columbia!
Thanks again, Holter.
Pagan that is correct.
Nowhere in the post were the figures given as representative of the needs of Sweden for multiple years.
This article was from a Swedish electronics site that offered up a More accurate copy of information we have seen incorrectly posted here in the States.
The figures given by Bob Jones
10 for 2007
60 for 2008
100 for 2009
200 for 2010
in this Swedish article are in stark contract to what we read in past US articles which inaccurately quote Leigh Coleman stating a build-out of 300 strats by 2007. (did you believe this one DocS when we read this earlier in the year?)
Here is an example of this of which we have all come across countless times using the same misquote:
http://www.americasnetwork.com/americasnetwork/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=160524
------------------------------------
ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVE According to GlobeTel president Leigh Coleman, the governments of Peru and Colombia have already placed orders, along with unnamed U.S. companies. The U.S. Army and Air Force are interested. The production goal is some 300 airships a year by 2007.
-----------------------------------
As Jacques0's translated copy (thanks Jacques0 i like that!)shows, the 300 number many US articles used as a production number for 2007 actually applied to the number of Strats for a Completed US network.
This is the first time i (and definitely most of the rest of us here on this board) have seen the actual quoted (Bob Jones) production figures anywhere. So i shared it with you guys.
Doc., all i can say at this point is, "i guess we can't trust the American Press,lol." Hope this clears things up for you.
pete
Swedish article quotes R.Jones -10strats 2007
Mid-year article from a Swedish tech site gives Robert Jones statement on the expected build out of Stratellites as:
10 for 2007
60 for 2008
100 for 2009
200 for 2010
http://www.elektroniktidningen.se/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18157&Itemid...
Guy6 an answer
Your Question: could this be a reference to the Sky Worm/Sky Dragon concept?
No, i believe the paper was refering to a very different scheme in airship design (AHAB). Cell segmentation internally not externally is used to develop the porpoising action.
Could the Airworm operate in a similar manner? Because the Airworm lacks a Aerobody (like Stratellite or AHAB [mentioned below] or lifting body shape, it would be expending more electrical energy in the pursuit of such a manuever.
In the document you posted:
http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj05/win05/tomme.html
The porpoising motion is being attributed to the third pictured airship, just below the quote you've used. Third craft (first GTE, second a Telesphere balloon) is New Mexico State Universities approach to nearspace airship. It goes by the handle AHAB. Using it's aerobody in combination with unique internal gas management system as previously posted, the airship hopes to use stalling as a technique to operate in high winds; converting the forces experienced into a series of elevation gains and loses while at the same time maintaining it's relative position. From my past readings, believe it to be a CIA funded endeavor. Did you see the movie Syriana? CIA loves this UAV stuff!!
Anyway, here is a link and info from it to help.
http://www.geointelmag.com/geointelligence/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=109348&&pageID=2
"In addition, the Physical Science Lab at New Mexico State University is designing the Advanced High-Altitude Aerobody (AHAB). This superpressure balloon incorporates wing-like devices to give it a sleek aerodynamic shape. AHAB is designed to offset the effects of light winds by using a
porpoising technique as necessary, trading altitude for horizontal motion. The craft is made up of a series of individual cells, and helium is pumped between cells to effect movement."
Hope this helps.
pete
Doc Kröplin Makes a Haus Call.....
[*quick note: Mide, congrats! GTE is moving into a new phase and your expertise will be much needed to express clearly the "size" of this future 800lbs Gorilla to all investors! Thanks again.]
--------------------------------------------------------
Kröplin calls on EUROMOLD
Stuttgart U's resident airship internist, and of late Globetel Strategic Partner, recently made his rounds (Dec. 2) to a convention of sorts in Frankfurt.
EUROMOLD 05 (see: http://www.euromold.com/english/index.php4 ), bills itself as a World Fair for manufacturers -a showcase for fabrication, materials, moldmaking, tooling, commercial design
& development + other aspects of production. In it's 12th year and fielding 1200 exhibitors with 60,000 projected attendees during the Nov. 30- Dec. 3 run, Euromold sounds impressive.
The good doctor, not only spoke during a portion of the program on Stratospheric Airships of the Future, but was also highlighted in the Euromold Press Release.
(see: http://www.euromold.com/pdf/2005/pm_0507_e.pdf. )
[excerpt from pr]
"A special highlight will be the Designer Night with Prof. Dr. Bernd Kroplin, which takes place on Friday, 2nd of December 2005. The topic will be "hohenplattform (Height-platform)-
Communication Technology of the Future".
Lastly, and just as important, Tao Technologies (Doc. & Stuttgart U.'s licensing vehicle for his proprietary work) was listed as an exhibitor at the convention.
(see: http://www.euromold.com/pdf/2005/aliste05.pdf )
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPINION
How is this relevant to our GTE? Perhaps not directly. After all, Doctor Kröplin could have been simply giving a tech talk on developments in a field he is obviously expert in. Or, possibly he might be shopping for other partners to assist financially with his work [no public knowledge here of the exclusive/non-exclusive nature of GTE arrangements with B. Kröplin/Tao, so we must consider the possibility other entities may also partner with the Docs work].
But one could also make the case, based on the presence of Tao Technologies exhibit
[Which kind of kills off the idea that Doc was simply giving a lecture on future events] and the nature of this type of convention (manufacturering, rather than a venue for telecom), that Mr. K. is perhaps looking to move this project towards commercial production [contract?] and away from the pure R&D effort as it currently stands.
The Sky Worm/Sky Dragon design appears after all, very PREFAB friendly to industry, with segmented small gas envelopes (non-rigid and possibly of uniform sizes to which various customers might modify to their respective needs by simply adding or subtracting segments of the worm body), 8 identical motors and wire kit to connect each body unit.
Size and segmentation are two elements which ease the production process versus the mammoth-sized project of building a commercial Stratellite. Throw-in the necessity of a construction hangar for a Strat vs a small commercial facility for the Sky Worm and Doctor K's design would look exceptionally appealing to both out-sourced or in-house production.
Myself, i believe that Doc. K. is the perfect man to be speaking in Europe about the future of airships as platforms for telecom -based on his recent hosting of the SkyDragon demonstration in November for Globetel to an audience of US govt representatives.
If his designs are going to have an impact nearterm (thinking customers here) then Kröplin or those entities using his designs will need the help of the manufacturing community.
Thus, Euromold presented the perfect forum from which to reach out to the commercial end of the business.
Doctor Kröplin quote from 11-19-05 PR:
-----------
"Dr. Kroeplin confirmed as well: "It was an honor to present this technology to our distinguished guests. The response to the technology and the flight demonstration was exciting and very well received. We will continue to develop other types of `specialmission' air vehicles - in cooperation with our partner, Sanswire. I believe there is much we can do in the very near term, which can benefit our world."
----------
Last comments:
Purely speculation here but based on the rapid rise and advancement of the Doc & Tao Tech. within the Globetel operation, coupled with the built-in design benefits to manufacturing (assuming GTE can secure commitments), am looking at Globetel to attempt to soon tighten it's hold on Tao Technologies (if they have not already) by developing closer "exclusive" contractual ties to the Doc's propreitary technologies.
Specifically, am looking for a PR to redefine such a relationship prior to any announcements of contracts (we should be so lucky!). This appears to be GTE's habit.
Good fortune to all and please remember this is all just personal opinion based on observed events...thanks.
pete
Sir Weirdo -A REVERSE SPLIT?!? OMG!
If TERNE had to work out a reverse split to survive, would they be able to do this in time before falling off the NASDAQ, or after the drop to OTC/Pink -assuming of course the company continues it's trend of non-reporting? Also, don't Reverse Splits tend to work out horribly for companies that use this technique out of desperation?
TIA Sir Weirdo,
pete
TERNE Fool Article: PREPARE for the CRASH
TERNE mentioned in a motley Fool article in Nov. entitled,
"Prepare For The CRASH".
Just my opinion, but doesn't sound very positive to me, more like a warning.....
http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2005/commentary05112103.htm?source=eptyholnk303100&logvisit=...
hope this helps,
pete
help please! no quote with T-E-R-N symbol?
Rocky, i tip my beer to you...
Thanks for all the efforts. Hope you'll now have some time to enjoy the holidays. You've earned it.
For what it's worth, if this board transition were put to a vote, (sure it's not but whatever) personally Mide would get a strong vote from myself to assume the reins of this board.
Meaning no offense to anyone, Mide has clearly shown superior balance in his posting, both from a technical understanding of the market and it's underlining influences, to disecting competitive/company/industrial elements that affect our common invest in Globetel Corporation.
In a nutshell, the guy is savvy and balanced with good temperment -a very good balance for any board moderator.
I do not know Mide personally, nor possess knowledge of his interest (hoping he is agreeable though!) to care for a board such as ours, or for that matter his time constraints.
What i do know, is we would be hard pressed to find his equal, and with that am done writing for tonight.
Again, i mean no offense, just voicing what i have witnessed these past months. peace.
pete
Article expanding on gov't airship award
Nice info on hurdles faced by strato ship including aerodynamic shape! Also, 10 airships the eventual goal. Please check out link for artist renderings....
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/12/lockheed-wins-1492m-contract-for-high-altitude-airship/i...
Lockheed Wins $149.2M Contract for High Altitude Airship
12-Dec-2005 »
Lockheed HAA
DID has covered the growing US interest in blimps for everything from low-altitude surveillance and communications relay, to air mega-transport, to near space operations. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors in Akron, OH received a $149.2 million cost-reimbursable contract to build and demonstrate the technical feasibility and military utility of the High Altitude Airship (HAA).
The HAA will be a a 500-foot-long, unmanned, radar-carrying surveillance blimp that will detect and track incoming ballistic missiles as they approach U.S. coastal regions. The blimp will hover above the jet stream at an altitude of 65,000 feet for months at a time and will also have the ability to detect low-flying missiles that may have slipped underneath ground-based radars. Once operational, it will be an important early-detection element of the broader U.S. missile defense architecture. It may also add as a weather surveyor and telecom relay.
There are a number of challenges associated with an effort of this nature.
Lockheed Concept
Solar cells and an advanced fuel cells that can deliver up to 500 kW must be developed to power the craft. An aerodynamic design and a control system must be developed to help keep the airship steady amid the high winds at that altitude, without consuming excessive power. Another important factor is determining how the airship would react to changing temperatures as the sun rises and sets every day, heating and cooling the helium. Then there's the major challenge of finding materials for the airship's skin that are capable of withstanding the extreme ultraviolet radiation at such high altitudes for extended periods without becoming brittle.
Lockheed Martin received its first production contract for a lighter-than-air vehicle, the rigid USS Akron airship, in 1928 from the U.S. Navy. For the High Altitude Airship program, Lockheed has previously received a $2 million contract for preliminary concept work, followed by a $40 million design and risk reduction contract in late September 2003.
HAA: Galileo concept
Under this latest demonstration contract, Lockheed Martin will develop an unmanned and untethered prototype airship with the requirement of remaining on station for one continuous month at a nominal cruise altitude. This prototype vehicle will also have a minimum payload capacity of 500 pounds with 3 kW of power. The principal place of performance will be at Lockheed Martin's "Airdock" facility in Akron, OH, which is 1,175 feet long, 325 feet wide and 211 feet high. Completion of the HAA is expected by November 2010.
The Missile Defense Agency issued this contract (HQ0006-06-C-0001), and eventually plans to deploy approximately 10 blimps to provide overlapping coverage of U.S. coastal regions.
Tojaam?
I do not personally hold to/or want a Lockheed/GTE partnership, but i do acknowledge that view as a position others might have. When you read post 17344, my comments were directed towards those who have recently expressed such a viewpoint.
Individuals such as Crashman, Mide, Vaman and others have expressed some believe that such an arrangement could happen or would be favorable for both parties (see posts 17237,17225,17217).
Read my comment again from that perpective and i think you will agree i am attempting to move away from that kind of idea; obviously though from your comments i am not doing a very good job....lol. If that is not enough, just go back to #17221. It that "Real" enough for you?
-------------comment--------------------------
GTE appears to be both "living by the sword" of technology and subject to it's cutting qualities in a very rapidly advancing field. This is looking less like a "partnership scenario" and more a like a parting of the ways with more radically different approaches in Sanswire and LM. It looks very interesting. Could there still be a melding of the two? As LM hand grows stronger with a hull technology and alterations in internal airship contruction from such outer construction, LM may be more willing to be patient till 2009 and fly solo. Just my opinion, but it is all very intriquing. pete
from post 17221
"The gov't simply has to sit back and watch it work and then turn to cancel LM contract that as Mide said was essentially handed to them back in the summer. If GTE test does not work, LM continues at their snails pace with contract money intact.
GTE partnership with Lockheed over a share of 150m might be chump change when compared to a small company (GTE) sharing profits with (biggie) LM over future Strat contruction.
Robert Jones was right, we are way ahead of the competition, if we consider LM's move to further push back prototype testing to 1010. What if GTE is the only game in town when S3 goes up successfully. How much is that worth?"
jimcognito a question about LM and missile defense
What i've sampled on this subject deals more with using the airship for spotting (surveillance) and illuminating (targeting) a incoming missile threat and not the actually "take-down" (FireStorm and the like).
Phased Array Radar, a LM speciality, is what an airship would carry (ideal for airships by the way) to spot and target while an Aegis ship launches missiles against incoming target. Maybe this is the older version of what you come across but i do struggle with the idea of all that weight an airship would carry to spot, mark, and eliminate the threat singlehandely.
Yes, i too love this board.
http://techdigest.jhuapl.edu/td1804/zinger.pdf.
"The Laboratory participated in yet another series ofrelated studies in the mid- to late 1980s, centeredaround the use of an airship to carry weapon systemelements comparable in function to the phased arrayradar and illuminators of an Aegis cruiser, but withreduced weight and new features for missile control.Key among those features was the use of a “multifunc-tion” phased array system as both the fire control radarand illuminator. This feature provided multiplexed il-lumination of targets, thus allowing simultaneous hom-ing of several SM-2 missiles. Analysis showed that,given sufficient equipment weight reduction and powercapacity, an airship so equipped and operating at analtitude of over 10,000 ft could greatly extend theeffective surveillance and engagement range againstlow-altitude cruise missilesThe Laboratory participated in yet another series ofrelated studies in the mid- to late 1980s, centeredaround the use of an airship to carry weapon systemelements comparable in function to the phased arrayradar and illuminators of an Aegis cruiser, but withreduced weight and new features for missile control.Key among those features was the use of a “multifunc-tion” phased array system as both the fire control radarand illuminator. This feature provided multiplexed il-lumination of targets, thus allowing simultaneous hom-ing of several SM-2 missiles. Analysis showed that,given sufficient equipment weight reduction and powercapacity, an airship so equipped and operating at analtitude of over 10,000 ft could greatly extend theeffective surveillance and engagement range againstlow-altitude cruise missiles501-502
phased radar array to spot, illuminate, and let an Aegis ship take it out with a missile."
Article on LM Airship contract + additional info..
Link, comments, and article below.
http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=14829&hed=Blimps+in+Space+(Almost)§or=Industrie...
-------------comment--------------------------
It now becomes apparent why Lockheed's contract holds such an advanced test date - an LM trade secret "hull" material [not skin or envelope but hull. interesting wording]. Wonder how strongly (from a technological standpoint) Lockheed needs a "partner"...
GTE appears to be both "living by the sword" of technology and subject to it's cutting qualities in a very rapidly advancing field. This is looking less like a "partnership scenario" and more a like a parting of the ways with more radically different approaches in Sanswire and LM. It looks very interesting. Could there still be a melding of the two? As LM hand grows stronger with a hull technology and alterations in internal airship contruction from such outer construction, LM may be more willing to be patient till 2009 and fly solo. Just my opinion, but it is all very intriquing. pete
One quick note: From my understanding in reading past comments (other board) on our last annual meeting, Bob Jones was hoping to beat Lockheed to the punch on this 150m contract. I am sure from his unique position, he must have seen certain qualities in the Sanswire project to encourage him in these efforts and in believing that GTE could take a shot for the hoop. pete
ARTICLE
Blimps in Space (Almost)
Lockheed wins a Pentagon contract to build a high-altitude blimp aimed at testing missile warning systems.
December 9, 2005
After two years on the drawing board, an experimental, unmanned blimp designed to float in “near space” to help the U.S. military test missile warning systems is now set to take shape in a hangar in Akron, Ohio.
The United States’ Missile Defense Agency on Thursday awarded defense contractor Lockheed Martin $150 million to build a prototype of its high-altitude airship, a 400-feet long, solar-powered, and sensor-laden blimp. The aircraft will float in the outer fringes of the atmosphere, high above rough weather and the jet stream.
With a maiden flight projected for 2009, the airship is part of a U.S. military plan to test how well airships can perform as geostationary platforms for short- and long-range missile warning systems. Hovering at 65,000 feet, below satellites, but much higher than most aircraft, a reusable high-altitude aircraft could also help with communications as well as weather surveillance. The catch phrase in the Pentagon for such aircraft is “near space.
There’s renewed interest in so-called lighter-than-air aircraft in military circles, not only as sensor platforms, but also for moving cargo, said Bradley Curran, a defense industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan. The blimps are cheaper, more responsive, and “avoid many of the hassles and waiting involved with more traditional… space and aircraft,” Mr. Curran said.
Trade Secret
Kate Dunlap, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson, said that technological advances in the material used to construct the airship’s hull make the new vessels possible. The ingredients of the composite fabrics are a Lockheed secret, Ms. Dunlap said, but they are lighter and stronger than the fabrics that covered the skeletons of earlier airships. State-of-the-art solar panels will deliver the power to the airship that will allow it to stay aloft for one month.
But not all the technology problems facing such blimps have been solved, said Fred Edworthy, vice president of Aeros Aeronautical Systems in Tarzana, California, which builds high-altitude airships for the South Korean government.
“You’ve got these 12-hour nights,” Mr. Edworthy said. “How do you store power to keep your propellers going to fight against the winds?” Fuel cell technology is not yet up to the job, he said, and lithium ion batteries add weight to the blimp.
As any blimp enthusiast can testify, lighter-than-air aircraft have been going in and out of fashion for decades. While this may be a hot time for airships, Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with Teal Group, an aerospace and defense industry analyst firm in Fairfax, Virginia, is skeptical. His doubts flow more from the source of the money behind the high-altitude airship than the airship itself.
“[The Missile Defense Agency] is a vast collecting tank for very well-funded ideas,” he said. “But no one is close to deploying anything useful.”
Wolfrun
Both Mide & myself presented what you stated in a possible scenario following the awarding of this gov't contract to Lockheed.
Wolfrun
"Also, alot of the larger companys, Lockheed, IBM,,etc, set up "partnership" contracts with smaller companys that have already created the technology"
mide
"Not the least of which would be a joint venture possibility with Lockheed to help them "fulfill" their contract...which is totally R and D reimbursable type contract, as I read it."
myself
"It is certainly conceivable that a joint partnership between Lockheed & GTE could occur, in the same vein as say the Walrus project brought Lockheed & Aero's (maker of the original skydragon! lol)together."
[also would like to add like showing aeros partnering up wih Lockheed as stated above]
http://www.aerosml.com/redherring.asp
--------------------------------------
**What may not be so obvious is the logic behind NOT awarding a contract to Globetel, or even the gov't encouraging such a partnership, as they did with Lockheed and Aeros as mentioned in a past post.
GTE, based on information they themselves have presented, is -in a matter of months, going to build the S3. As we both know, this craft's successful launch should readily meet gov't
contract requirements with LM. GTE has no choice, gov't monies or not, but to attempt this test, based on their own business model. Why should the gov't award a company like GTE research money for R&D Globetel needs to create and sell a commercial product in the marketplace (refering here to Strat)?
The gov't simply has to sit back and watch it work and then turn to cancel LM contract that as Mide said was essentially handed to them back in the summer. If GTE test does not work, LM continues at their snails pace with contract money intact.
GTE partnership with Lockheed over a share of 150m might be chump change when compared to a small company (GTE) sharing profits with (biggie) LM over future Strat contruction.
Robert Jones was right, we are way ahead of the competition, if we consider LM's move to further push back prototype testing to 1010. What if GTE is the only game in town when S3 goes up successfully. How much is that worth?
Mide: Let's take 2 on Analysis
It is certainly conceivable that a joint partnership between Lockheed & GTE could occur, in the same vein as say the Walrus project brought Lockheed & Aero's (maker of the original skydragon! lol)together.
It is equally believable though that such a partnership, and what it might entail further down the road
-commercial/military co-production and profit sharing with Lockheed for technology GTE in total possesses [if we are to believe the current stated abilities of the Stratellite versus Lockheed's hyper-sluggish timeline of 2010 for prototype] would appear to bar such relations, at least from GTE's current point of view.
Thus, this situation would lend itself well to an identical one previously experienced by Lockheed [as was related at our annual meeting] of the canceling of a 40 million dollar gov't contract for earlier works leading up to todays 150 million later stage prototype.
Me, i look at who's doling out the money for clues...
From the gov't point of view, no alignment between GTE & Lockheed and a successful Strat 3 test in 2006 would mean their stated criteria are met (and then some) and the gov't gets to cancel Lockheeds contract again and this time save 150 big ones, yes? Maybe this is why gov't did not award this contract to GTE? It's called game theory, and the g-man are working it.
Your thoughts?
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Akron, Ohio is being awarded a cost reimbursable contract to build and demonstrate the technical feasibility and military utility of the High Altitude Airship. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will develop an unmanned and untethered prototype airship with the requirement of remaining on station for one continuous month at a nominal cruise altitude. This prototype vehicle will also have a minimum payload capacity of 500 pounds with 3 kW of power. The total contract effort is estimated at $149,220,102. The principal place of performance will be at Lockheed Martin in Akron, Ohio and completion is expected by November 2010. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity for contract HQ0006-06-C-0001
Gag! Lockheed awarded 150m Airship contract DEC8
Believe this contract (announced in Summer and awarded today)to have been something Bob Jones was seeking to snag with the Stratellite....oh, well. Interesting payload/power/performance demands -and all to be met in.... 2010!
http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/2005/ct20051208.html
FOR RELEASE AT No. 1269-05
5 p.m. ET December 8, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACTS
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Akron, Ohio is being awarded a cost reimbursable contract to build and demonstrate the technical feasibility and military utility of the High Altitude Airship. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will develop an unmanned and untethered prototype airship with the requirement of remaining on station for one continuous month at a nominal cruise altitude. This prototype vehicle will also have a minimum payload capacity of 500 pounds with 3 kW of power. The total contract effort is estimated at $149,220,102. The principal place of performance will be at Lockheed Martin in Akron, Ohio and completion is expected by November 2010. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity for contract HQ0006-06-C-0001
rocky thanks. Glad to help out.
But you deserve all the kudos for the massive effort made here. Posting so infrequently as i do, am lucky if anybody bothers to read the stuff...probably one reason why you kindly repost it for others from time to time... ;^). nite now. pete
kevin Re: Inside the hangar & airworm
Yes, have seen the insides of our hangar and yes that video was shot at our Palmdale facility. Specifically, from minutes :49- 1:04 in the clip the background we see is a side profile of a different hangar (half moon shape structure in background) north of us at site 9 but on the lot of Plant 42.
Also, at 2:00-2:28 we are viewing in the background the East side door (ever so slightly opened for lighting) of the hangar and the blue stripe south wall as the Airworm/Skydragon rotates inside the structure.
The questioned asked, "where is the S2 in this shot?", is answered by the sheer size of this building. 400' long and am now forgeting width (guess it's about half)but about 200'.
Video camera inside faced east door and panned south but never enough to shoot full interior. Positioning camera 100 feet inside facing the door meant that 300 feet would extend behind the filmer(plenty of room for S2).
There is a partition that divides east half of building from west (not sure if this is movable but it kinda looks that way from the edges and may represent some of the structure to the office space Globetel stated they had built inside. guessing) and is approximately (eyeballing it from a few hundred yards away) 100' inside from east door. Thus camera guy probably had his back to this while fiming SkyDragon go through it's paces inside.
Hope this helps.
One other thing. Since monitoring the facility now for many months (going past daily a couple of times or so), until recently hangar doors were never opened fully. Usually, if they were parted it would be just a bit and not very revealing at all....
That is until the test this month. Since then, East door is almost fully open in late morning. No, have not seen a flight test, but can't help but believe they are testing the bejesus out of the SkyDragon -why else an open door when previously it was seldom used (and only slightly if parted)?
Last thing to share. On the day of the test, Palmdale was extremely windy. Sustained winds with strong gusts; a very blustery day. Can remember specifically hoping that our test did NOT fall on this date. It seemed just too inclement for an airship to be testing in.
But, perhaps this weather made the ideal stage to highlight an Airworm design, with it's radical turning radius (a la segmented body) and futher emphasizing the airworthiness of such innovations versus conventional airships with their ponderous wide-arcing turns.
Sure glad we have this segmented technology and not the competition....
pete
Spacedaily article inflight wireless w/Stratellite pic
See link below for picture of our Stratellite & article on
in flight wireless services!
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/uav-05zzzzzv.html
Calling From The Troposphere: The Coming Market For In-flight Wireless
Balloons will be critical to airborne wireless services at 40,000 feet.
Oyster BAY NY (SPX) Nov 20, 2005
Between January 1 and December 31, 2005, a staggering 1.2 billion passengers will have flown on some 28 million flights worldwide. Historically, passengers have been forbidden to use their mobile communications -- cellular phones or Wi-Fi-equipped portable devices -- in flight.
But that is starting to change. Wi-Fi has been installed on a number of airlines, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Austrian Airlines. Others intend to follow suit. A whole new market is being created.
A new study from ABI Research, "In-flight Mobile and Wi-Fi Services: Market Potential and Challenges," provides a comprehensive review and assessment of this complex but potentially lucrative market. It assesses regulatory bottlenecks and technical solutions, as well as forecasting market growth and capital expenditure.
Mobile phones were originally banned in flight because they log on to terrestrial networks and cause network management chaos; but they also radiate at their maximum power, and there was concern about possible interference with the aircraft's avionics.
Now companies such as Qualcomm, Siemens and Ericsson have developed pico-cell technologies that will allow the use of both GSM and CDMA mobile phones during flights, without causing any interference.
"The in-flight Wi-Fi and mobile communications market holds considerable promise," says ABI Research's Director or Research for Europe, Jake Saunders, "but regulatory hurdles, satellite communications bandwidth and pricing will constrain the market potential in the short to medium term."
ABI Research believes that the market will develop once the regulatory barriers have been removed. For the next five years, much of the activity will be Wi-Fi related, but as regulatory obstacles to mobile communications are removed, their usage on aircraft will build.
"We expect that in-flight mobile communications services will first start in Europe in 2007," adds Saunders. "Asia will follow, then North America."
WayHaw...........
Yeah, wild how far that topic went to confirm what a pr originally stated back in January. But truthfully, this is one of the reasons i switched boards. Was a Ragingbuller for the longest time, but got discouraged over it's general mindless chatter. Yes, they do have some good posters, but that relentless drive for core truths is mostly missing. Today, was actually a very good example of what a well governed, fact-finding board can do. Dig.
As for the potential feelings of disappointment if no major news is forthcoming from Telecom05, just have to ask why?
Personally, events on a historic scale (such as the emininet military testing of the Stratellite) can represent much more powerful forces in commerce then a purely sales-driven news release . Know that sounds a bit absurd, given that by nature globetel is a for-profit company, but deep sustaining revenues may well reside behind these kinds of industry-creating endeavors.
First-mover advantage is so beautiful. God, look at Red Bull! So many energy drinks now, yet they still can't touch the master.....
Ok, am going to stop typing now and go finish my Heiniken! [No, not a Red Bull! Just look at what is passing for a post to know you're just reading my beer and crackers!] lol
-swami
10/27 Sanswire gets nod in Jp article on airships
Reading the last paragraph almost invites the reader to make the jump in logic -that being, Japanese government is comtemplating using the Stratellite system.....Sorry, can't help myself here! Media did it to me...lol. p.s. Serious1 & others thanks for sharing personal correspondence with all of us. pete
http://www.techworld.com/mobility/news/index.cfm?NewsID=4669
27 October 2005
Wireless broadband takes to the sky in Japan
By Martyn Williams, IDG news service
A Japanese university team has developed an airship equipped with a wireless Internet access point. The technology could be used to provide wireless telecommunications links over a wide area.
The team, from Chubu University in central Japan, have proved the technology works, said Osamu Saiki, a Chubu University student working on the project.
The Solan-1 craft was tethered at a height of 30 metres above the ground and provided coverage over an area of radius 500 metres. This could be extended to around a kilometre from the airship in all directions if it was raised to 100 metres above ground; but strong winds often meant it didn't reach this height.
The airship is solar-powered and thus also includes solar panels and there are also a pair of remote controlled cameras on the bottom of the craft that can send images via the wireless LAN connection.
Going forward, the university team plans to refine the technology. Problems encountered because of wind are one of the areas that the team will now look into, said Saiki. He also said they will work on ways of keeping the craft powered on days when it's raining or cloudy and sunlight is much lower than normal.
The Japanese government has been mulling a system that would use airships to provide cellular coverage to some of the country's mountainous areas which are currently out of the range of ground-based cellular towers. In the US, Sanswire Networks is planning a network of airships flying at altitudes of around 9 kilometres that would provide nationwide coverage.
Shakey. for what it's worth...
I know what you mean about companies hiring bigtime honcos/tech etc. and then never seeing the results of that expensive labor.
Here's a story, maybe it helps in our case. Going to keep it short because the floor belongs to testsite1.
Month or so ago, had to pull a Sunday shift for work. Headed out extra early.
I'm driving down Rancho Vista (Ave. P)that runs parallel to Plant 42. It's 3:40 in the morning on a Sunday. Our (Sanswire2) hangar at site 9 has it's East bay door open a bit. Lights are on, and someones working. Just a couple of cars in the lot, and guard shake looks empty. Fences all locked tight. Someone's pulling an all nighter at our facility, is the way i take it.
Our future Strat might crash, the concept might not proof doable, but this is the kind of company and people i want to invest in.
nite....
pete
ShakeyGuy, nothing to be sorry for....
The post you comment on was not in reference to comments you made (though you guys do address one similar situation..where is Searfoss?) but completely directed towards WayHaw, who very obviously did not know of Searfoss' current standing. And that confusion is actually very understandable, given the rampant speculation (without any disent that i've witnessed) that Searfoss is gone -This stuff has been circulating on multiple boards for quite some time now.
--------------
"I would have thought this was his job. Did I miss something and he's no longer with the company? I know there was speculation but don't recall seeing it for fact." -WayHaw
----------------
Shakeyguy and WayHaw, imo, you both have valid concerns as to Searfoss' visibility, but i, in past post was not addressing that issue. When Rocky, mentioned to you WayHaw
(paraphrasing), "Who better to send to the Convention, then the President of Sanswire Wireless LLC. (refering to Bob Jones at Telecom05)? A good answer might have been.....the CHAIRMAN Sanswire Wireless LLC. -Searfoss.
So looking now at Searfoss' recent "contributions" to GTE, one could easily be tempted to say, " Hey, i don't read a thing about this ex-astronaut except that he's piloting some experimental rocket somewhere... Why no GTE press!"
But is it not conceivable, that he functions more behind the scenes, similar to other high level players GTE has managed to bring on board. Working on contracts such as these that T. Huff refered too, but yet to officially land:
---------------------
"On the commercial front, we are in advanced funding discussions with several government and commercial parties who have fully embraced the world-changing nature of this new wireless platform. Because we have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements with several of these parties, we are not permitted, at this stage, to disclose their identities. However, we are optimistic that, during the course of the next couple of months we will have secured one or more "strategic partnerships".
---------------------------
It would seem very unorthodox to state publicly, "Searfoss is in non-disclosure talks with interested Gov't parties for Strats...". -Gee, i wonder which department an ex-astronaut would be peddling too. [Yeah, not going to happen]
Also, did we a GTE know M. Molen was schlepping strats to the Columbian President until the deal was done? Some things are best not revealed until the end.....
Also, in fairness, what have we read regarding the efforts of
Sir. Christopher Meyer, Leo A. Daly III, Dumas, & Leigh?
[Side note: can tell you Daly III pitched GTE to Meyer, but you won't read it in any press release....they are buds. Daly did a fine job here! imo of course.]
Lastly, is it not also conceivable that Searfoss could have been placed on the board at the request of NASA/etc. -their point man at GTE so to speak? So NASA knows what's going on in the boardroom, maybe?!?
Food for thought.....
hope this helps,
pete
B_WHIT: about Lockheed contract....
Glad you found the information useful. As far as your post points, i agree with slight variation.
Where you state:
"It stands to reason that previous PR's from Globetel suggest that they have completed phase 3."
[in reverence to Tao agreement and pending military testing of prototype strat]
Personally believe that if Globetel's military test does succeed and with Tao agreement in place, we are still missing the "...While also maturing technologies required for future operational airships" part reposted from your message and quoted in Lockheed provisional contract and below:
-----------------------------------------------
"Under the follow-on contract Lockheed Martin will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the high altitude airship by conducting key risk reduction activities culminating in the build and flight demonstration of a prototype high altitude airship while also maturing technologies required for future operational airships."
-------------------------------------------------
-"Maturing technology" speaks to me of work-in-progress, which both the current Strat prototype and Tao Agreement -while representing big movement in the right direction, both represent immature tech. Bear in mind, it will take a 400ft Strat to reach and hold 65,00ft and certainly, Tao's stuff needs much more work, as they have been seeking 1.5 million dollars for some time to further test their Airchain/Airworm at higher attitudes (read bigger craft).
So why is this so different from what you state? I do not believe the criteria behind the $180 million Lockheed contract has been met, and thus contract still stands, without amendment, in it's current state.
If you are right, and GTE meets all conditions, then monies that had been allocted to Lockheed could well be earmarked to productions ships, as you say.
Not sure if you read Liborwatch comments (other board but has posted on Ihub also i believe) on shareholders meeting back in August. Here's his post, take from it what you will. -glad to read your comments. pete
"LiborWatch
Shareholder Meeting Update-
I had discussions with Robert Jones who when asked about the Gov't situation said that GTE is working on getting a $180 million contract with the Gov't.
Jones also indicated that they are working closely with the FAA. I am not sure but this may mean they have an FAA person onsight.`
Jones also indicated he is meeting with the CIA next week.
Jones also indicated they had received ISO 9000 gov't approval.
All this information points to a favorable coming position with the government."
WayHaw -about Searfoss....
Don't know what "job" you thought Searfoss performs for Globetel, but can state his current position -Chairman of
Sanswire Networks LLC.
"MIAMI, Jan. 25/Satnews Daily/ ¾ GlobeTel Communications Corp. (OTCBB:GTEL), announced on Tuesday former astronaut and Space Shuttle commander Rick Searfoss, Colonel, USAF Retired, will join the board of directors of their wholly owned subsidiary Sanswire Networks, LLC."
Is he still with us you ask? He is currently listed as chairman at company website below. If he stepped down, no doubt we would have read about it as it would be a material event for GTE.
http://www.sanswire.com/management.htm
Hope this helps.
pete
OMNIEARS...
Based on this quote from CEO Timothy Huff in a past PR, radio is in the mix. As for Xm & Sirius, personally am not up on their particular situations, but what you mention sounds very interesting.
http://www.bbwexchange.com/publications/newswires/page546-1476440.asp
"Timothy Huff, CEO of GTEL stated, "This is truly an exciting time for us here at GTEL. We have so many good things happening but the launch of the Stratellite has to top them all. If our tests prove the technology to be as designed, then we will change the landscape of telecommunications and even the world. This would allow, virtually overnight a communications grid to be installed over an area that could provide voice, data, cellular, TV broadcasts, radio, and surveillance for a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure.""
CNN article on WiMax impact
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/10/17/wireless.wimax/index.html
Is 'Wi-Fi on steroids' really the next big thing?
Some see WiMAX growing quickly; others say use years away
By Marsha Walton
CNN
Tuesday, October 18, 2005; Posted: 10:57 a.m. EDT (14:57 GMT)
With WiMAX, people in locations where broadband was previously unavailable will be able to ditch their old analog modems for an antenna and receiver.
(CNN) -- Computer users in many urban and university areas have come to expect connectivity 24/7. There's a cable modem or DSL at home, a high-speed connection in the office and Wi-Fi for the places in between, from the commute to the coffeehouse.
But many long-frustrated suburban and rural dwellers have no choice but to listen to the sound of a dial-up modem handshake, with accompanying slow connections and downloads. Their homes or businesses are in areas that are too costly for telephone and cable companies to wire.
WiMAX, a wireless broadband technology sometimes known as "Wi-Fi on steroids," could provide relief soon, some experts say, although others see many years ahead before the long-touted technology gains widespread use.
"WiMAX is an interesting kind of compromise between cellular and Wi-Fi coverage," said Scott Shamp, director of the University of Georgia's New Media Institute.
"It gives you high data speeds like Wi-Fi but covers a much bigger geographic area like cellular coverage," said Shamp, who helped create one of the earliest Wi-Fi hot spots, covering parts of the University of Georgia campus and the city of Athens, Georgia.
WiMAX, shorthand for World Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a standard for the technology that can deliver wireless broadband services. Its aim is to combine the speed and security of a broadband connection but with the lower cost and convenience of having no wired infrastructure that's needed for cable modems or DSL connections.
WiMAX technology may make a huge difference in less developed areas of the world -- providing a cheaper alternative to costly and bulky infrastructure for hard-to-reach places.
"Certainly in markets like Indonesia, India, Africa and some parts of Latin America, where wired infrastructure is poor, WiMAX provides a huge opportunity. There already is demand," said Charles Golvin, principal analyst with Forrester Research Inc.
Europe has jumped into the world of wireless broadband with HiperMAN, while South Korea has developed WiBro. Both are designed to be compatible with WiMAX technology.
Standardization is critical so that the many products and applications being developed for WiMAX will work together. The first type of WiMAX system -- for fixed applications such as connecting from a business or home -- was approved last year by the IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE soon is expected to approve the next version of the standard, for mobile services.
A WiMAX system -- which can be fixed for homes and businesses or mobile for devices -- has two parts: a tower similar to a cell phone tower and a receiver. The receiver could be in the form of a small box, about the size of a modem, or, as is already being developed, a card that can be built into a laptop the same way a Wi-Fi card is in most computers today.
The consumer possibilities of devices using WiMAX could bring a gleam to any gadget guru's eye: streaming video, even high-definition television on cell phones, or in cars; multiplayer gaming on a handheld device; and of course, other information and entertainment yet to be invented.
The WiMAX timetable
Golvin said that while WiMAX will have a big global impact on consumers, vendors and telecom operators by making high-speed wireless more available, it won't happen until 2010 or later in places that have long had access to broadband connections.
"In developed economies, where cable and DSL infrastructure is reliable, where there are lots of subscribers and it is widely deployed, WiMAX does not have a great advantage," Golvin said.
But some WiMAX developers see other business possibilities occurring sooner, such as setting up wireless broadband for entire communities.
Intel is one of the companies pushing WiMAX technology and has invested heavily in its development.
"What if you want to wire an entire city? Even in a mountainous terrain like Mexico City, you could put up a tower that could reach 50 to 70 miles," said Eliot Weinman, conference chair of WiMAX World Conference & Expo.
Connectivity that covers a whole metropolitan area could help cities woo both residents and businesses, with the promise of being "always connected."
Weinman said there are already nearly 400 companies backing the WiMAX technology, for everything from improved communication for police, fire and other rescue vehicles to improved entertainment and information for mobile devices.
Computer chip maker Intel is playing a big part in pushing WiMAX as the next thing in connectivity, just as it did in driving the Wi-Fi standard. Intel's Centrino laptop processors are expected to be WiMAX-enabled in the next two years.
Amid this activity, that cutting-edge group of tech enthusiasts known as "early adopters" has begun to see portable devices as more than just mobile phones -- in reality small computers.
"More people are getting used to getting their news, sports, weather, music and video on that device, and with that will be more demand for faster networks," Golvin said.
So far so good. No Lockheed 180m contract
Nice to see that so far Gov't has yet to award that 180 million Airship contract to Lockheed (award date 10-15-05).
Check daily here for Lockheed contract described below.
http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/
Let's see if the Sanswire testing at Edward's and Fate throw this contract into our laps.....
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:G1txUd1N3g4J:www.fedbizopps.gov//spg/ODA/MDA/WASHDC1/Reference-Nu...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A -- High Altitude Airship (HAA) Prototype Vehicle Build and Flight Demonstration
General Information
Document Type: Presolicitation Notice
Solicitation Number: Reference-Number-HQ0006-05-C-0037
Posted Date: Jul 26, 2005
Original Response Date: Aug 09, 2005
Current Response Date: Aug 09, 2005
Original Archive Date: Aug 24, 2005
Current Archive Date: Aug 24, 2005
Classification Code: A -- Research & Development
Naics Code: 541710 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contracting Office Address
Other Defense Agencies, Missile Defense Agency, MDA Deputy for Contracting (MDA/CT), 7100 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC, 20301-7100
Description
The Missile Defense Agency intends to award a follow-on sole source contract to Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems for the High Altitude Airship (HAA) Prototype Vehicle Build and Flight Demonstration. The purpose of the award is to change contract type from Other Transaction Agreement to Cost-reimbursable FAR contract for the build and flight demo phase of the program. Lockheed Martin was the selected awardee under a competitive procurement for the HAA Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (HAA ACTD). The first two phases of that project, Concept Definition (Phase 1) and Design and Risk Reduction (Phase 2) are complete. This contract is a follow-on to the efforts completed under the HAA ACTD Phase 1 and Phase 2. Under the follow-on contract Lockheed Martin will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the high altitude airship by conducting key risk reduction activities culminating in the build and flight demonstration of a prototype high altitude airship while also maturing technologies required for future operational airships.
No other source has access to the proprietary data, resident expertise and insight to the previous work performed under the HAA ACTD Concept Definition and Design and Risk Reduction Phases, which are as a basis for the follow-on requirement. This expertise cannot be attained by any other contractor within the anticipated four-year period of performance without substantial duplication of costs. The estimated value of the contract is $180 million, inclusive of Contractor cost contributions. The anticipated date of contract award is October 15, 2005. See Note 22.
*****Note 22: The proposed contract action is for airship expertise for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement in writing to the Contracting Officer at the address stated below. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all capability statements received within fifteen days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government.
Point of Contact
Joy Smith, Contract Specialist, Phone 703-882-6180, Email joy.smith@mda.mil - Shirlee Madeloff, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 882-6152, Email shirlee.madeloff@mda.mil
What Tao T. means to GTE
From a personal perspective, here's a condensation of what the good Doc & Stuttgart U. technology may represent if folded into Sanswire operations today. Opinion only.
Fundementally, Stuttgart views their Airworm/Airchain (see post 15995 for a visual and description) as a way around the problems inherent in large scale (think commercial grade, not research) non-rigid/semi-rigid High Altitude Airships.
Issues are:
1. Load/Aerodynamics
2. shifting gases
3. production limitations
Biggest problem is, that without a rigid framework, as an airship grows in length is begins to lose it's ability to physically manage it's envellope (skin) weight. A slightly pressurized airship is going to increasingly sag the longer (imagine 800ft here) and heavier it gets -without a rigid framework from which to hang all that material. Sagging equals bad aerodynamics, which are important to have going up/down/ or mantaining a fixed position in the sky for any length of time. Tack on a heavier payload (for the larger strat) and situation gets nasty...
Shifting gases, a result of internal gas bladders expanding or
compressing can cause weird movements for an airship. As an airship gets bigger, the larger the contained space for lifting gases it has, the greater the problem.
As the size of single body airships increases, so do the costs required to house,construct, repair, etc. increase. Size just makes everything more difficult.
-----------------------------------
What Stuttgart and the Doc are saying is this:
Yes, large rigid airships have their purpose for High altitude work, but imagine if our technology could offer Globetel a way to:
1.Carry more with less airship (by shedding major framework)
2. Cut production costs through manufacturing of smaller building units v.s. single unit construction.
3 speed up production (no frame, and mass produced smaller building segments v.s. single ship approach)
4 simple customization to customer needs...add more segments for greater payload and up the motors, fuel cell etc.
- it could be as simple as that...
-------------------------------------------
Let's be honest here, the way things appear to be going, commercial HAA will only get bigger and bigger. It's cheaper that way. More done for less money. Segmented semi-rigid airships will need to add more framework as they get bigger. At some point, essentially they become fully rigid...
Obviously, the Airchain/Airworm is not the answer to all
Globetel's potential Strat customers. Those with large single body payloads ( think military radar system) would need a rigid
single body Strat. Those though in telecom, might be drawn to a Airchain design. This is what Globetel is seeking;
the best fit for each customer.
My opinion is that coupled with Sanswire gas management system, and this segmented body approach from Stuttgart, GTE is doing the right thing by locking-up this technology now, preemptively crippling a competitors chances of "one-upping-us" with cheaper technology down the road.
Yes, don't expect GTE to be selling Airchains anytime soon. As long as there is no competition and we control viable atlernatives, why produce a unit that cost less? Strat's at
30 million a pop are fine with me!
What is Tao Technologies?
Tao Technologies is company created by Doc. Kroplin (the same guy GTE is partnering with over next gen Strat technology. Tao is basically repping the Intellectual property of Doc's & Stuttgart University. You want their technology, you deal with this company. Below is taken from a PR the University released back in 2003? that discusses Tao.
------------------------------------
"For the preparation of a financing consortium and for the bundling of the know-how Kroeplin created a company, TAO Technologies GmbH, therefore with its team as spin off of the university. The testing of the new flight principle with HAP prototypes in 5000 meters height is to take place still in this year. For it 1.4 millions euro are needed directly. Despite "more schwaechelnder" economic situation the natives of stuttgart want to address private investors now: "after we pointed that the system functions, want we it now also to Germany to convert. And "Kroeplin remove, say our knowledge projection/lead in the development."
---------------------------
What kind of technology you might ask are they peddling? Check out post 15995 to see it and also to read the whole PR from above. Weird, i just posted this stuff last night...
Luftwurm German for Strat? Future S's and Stuttgart connection
In an Oct. 12, 2005 PR Globetel communications hooks-up with TAO-Technologies, the University of Stuttgart, & Prof. Dr. Bernd Kroplin to help design next generation Strats. A recap below:
-----------------------------------------------------------------"The agreement states that TAO-Technologies, in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart, will design several next-generation airships intended for multiple uses. These unique and proprietary designs are specific to certain customer demands and are intended to complement the suite of near-space vehicles currently being developed and built by GlobeTel's wholly owned subsidiary, Sanswire Networks LLC.
Professor Dr. Bernd Kroplin of the University of Stuttgart stated: "I am excited to continue our working relationship with Mr. Bob Jones, President of Sanswire, and his team of experts in the field of high-altitude airship design and telecommunications platforms. I have seen other large companies attempt to design high altitude airships, and none of them compare to what we can achieve through our mutual cooperation. The world of academia knows that the University of Stuttgart and my team have been working on high altitude airship design for many years. In working together with Sanswire Networks LLC, a subsidiary of GlobeTel Communications Corp as a strategic partner for the design of the high altitude systems, we will have a significant advantage over our competitors."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This all begs the question, "What kind of technology do these entities possess and in what manner will it augment the current offering Sanswire has in the Stratellite?"
From what has been found, it seems to swami that future design work on new stratellite devices might incorporate conceptual elements of the Airworm/Airchain developed by Stuttgart U. & Doc Kroplin's team. Take a peek at some of the stuff Globetel R&D dollars may be buying in the Rhineland. Hey, how's the exchange rate looking now-a-days?
Photos:
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/halp/aktuelle_photos/image_003.jpg
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/halp/aktuelle_photos/image_002.jpg
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/halp/aktuelle_photos/image_004.jpg
Papers (english):
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/halp/frank_akron_kenz1.pdf
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/halp/akron_rk.pdf
http://www.imamod.ru/~serge/arc/conf/ECCOMAS_2004/ECCOMAS_V2/proceedings/pdf/944.pdf
Website (german):
www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/ airship/halp/
images/webpages (german):
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/airchain/teilprojekte/iag.html
http://www.isd.uni-stuttgart.de/airship/airchain/teilprojekte/tp1.html
Press Release (Translation from German) explaining concept and Tao Technologies:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Press release No. 65/2003 of 20.08.2003
New developments from Institut for statics and dynamics of the air and space travel constructions of the University of Stuttgart:
Elevator platform prototype for portable radio of the fourth generation successfully flight-tests. Internationally and technologically far in front - autonomous Rescue paraglider lands auxiliary goods point-exactly
Researcher of the University of Stuttgart under the direction of Professor Dr. - Ing. Bernd Kroeplin a new flight principle for elevator platforms developed and now successfully near the surface tested. Thus in the international comparison a singular technology projection/lead developed, which can be converted directly at the fourth portable radio generation. Highly flying platforms are internationally hot contesting width unit an area for new technologies. America and Japan presented already large state programs, in order to achieve the technology leader shank here. But still Germany has the nose in front.
While UMTS fights so far still with the enormous development costs, the natives of stuttgart set on the next generation: Efficient successors of the WiFi`s in such a way specified could be interlaced in the future over Hot so mentioned Spots with stationary, in 20,000 meters height flying platforms. The elevator platform is platziert as permanently flying relay station over a place. The current development came out from the Koerber price lent for it 1999 *). An autonomously steered link chain with name "air chain" as completely new flight principle connects the advantages of elevator balloons and airships and avoids the disadvantages of hoehenflugzeugen.
A development step on the way to the portable radio from air: the autonomously flying Rescue paraglider
When "off" of this elevator platform have the Stuttgart scientists now a controllable paraglider of the type Papillon developed spin, which flies autonomously and lands goal-exactly. The mechanical tax movements of a paraglider pilot are taken over by a mechanical mechanism. An autonomous, model-bases working flight control, which orients itself by satellite-based navigation (government inspection department) and compass, flies the equipment automatically to the goal. The paraglider system unique in this form had been originally developed as "Rescue system" for the elevator platform (HAP) for portable radio, in order to save the station surely in the case of a defect from 20,000 meters height. Now the parachute can be inserted use the humanitarian assistance. Auxiliary goods, which are thrown off from a transport aircraft over a crisis area, land in the future reliably and up to four square meters point-exactly. So far one had to count on a freight loss of up to 30 per cent: Goods were driven off by unfavorable hoist or were not found in the hard-to-travel area. Relief organizations working world-wide already stated their interest.
The Stuttgart air chain: internationally and technologically far in front
The portable radio nets of the fourth generation will replace the portable radio primarily conceived for voice communication by digital networks for data communication. "the portable radio industry is mental far over UMTS already in its planning outside", explains Prof. Dr. Ing. Bernd Kroeplin.
The fourth generation will make data transmission rates of 100 for megabit possible per second (about ten times as fast as the current Wireless LAN radio nets). With 100 they could transfer megabit per second large Brockhaus in ten seconds. At present a D or a e-net Handy needs about 30 hours for the same data communication. "with this data communication quantity even the UMTS Sendemastenwald planned now would not be sufficient by far. Therefore we go avoiding the complex soil infrastructure and radiation-intensive close ranges of the masts to the data communication into air and ", insure Kroeplin. And in such a way it imagines the future: The mobile soil nets, consisting of the grandchildren of today's WiFi`s (Wireless Fidelity) and the grandchildren of the today's Handys will latch themselves directly over the "Hot Spots" into the elevator platforms positioned in 20 kilometers height stationarily over centers of dense development and over it global cross-linking will manufacture. The elevator platforms supply on the one hand "it" densely populated area and communicate directly among themselves or over satellites. These fly about ten times as highly as an elevator platform in approximately 250 kilometers height and cannot therefore not directly with a conventional Handy communicate. Elevator platforms form thus that substantial link between the mobile soil nets and the satellites.
The spirit of the time to the defiance! Professor goes unusual ways in the project financing
"other nations to actually draw for example the USA and Japan already with large strength began, the development of the elevator platform. They presented large state programs, because the realization of an elevator platform economicalally and technically revolutions and innovations of enormous extents ", estimates Kroeplin promises. Thus after reports the companies Aeros, Lockheed Martin and Boeing a promise over in each case two million US dollar for the research received American pentagon. The American Homeland Defence program plans amounts of billion for the research of elevator platforms after 11 September for the next years. NAL in Japan promotes an elevator airship with 100 million US dollar for several years. The first prototype was started without drive on 4 August 2003, completed a unangetriebenen high-altitude flight to the material test in 16.4 kilometers height and thereafter from the sea was saved. There are further projects in Malaysia and Korea.
Germany however appears a little innovation friendly. "the developments around the Transrapid, Fairchild Dornier and CargoLifter tune thoughtfully", mean Kroeplin, "all large-scale projects by the foreign country are taken over or are received directly. We have knowledge projection/lead of approximately four years with our HAP project so far internationally still another. We would not like to lose or to the foreign country deliver this development now also in Germany!", he says.
Bathing Wuerttemberg already did a first step and to a group of researchers at the University of Stuttgart a "IRON in such a way specified Bird" for the air chain granted. The researchers construct a "Mock UP" of the system at the soil, in order to test a cooperating of the individual components in simulated flight scenarios. Larger political signals or private financings from Germany take time however.
For the preparation of a financing consortium and for the bundling of the know-how Kroeplin created a company, TAO Technologies GmbH, therefore with its team as spin off of the university. The testing of the new flight principle with HAP prototypes in 5000 meters height is to take place still in this year. For it 1.4 millions euro are needed directly. Despite "more schwaechelnder" economic situation the natives of stuttgart want to address private investors now: "after we pointed that the system functions, want we it now also to Germany to convert. And "Kroeplin remove, say our knowledge projection/lead in the development.
Elevator platforms: The form macht's
Elevator platforms can be conceived as airplanes or airships. They are unmanned and must with hermetic ones of approximately sieved per cent of the atmospheric density on the soil and temperatures of -60 degrees C against hoist of over 130 kilometers per hour long-term over a place to stand be able. This is an extraordinary technical challenge. An example of a hoehenflugzeug is of "Helios" of NASA, a solar airplane, which fell three weeks ago ago with a test flight and sank in the sea. Examples of airships are the projects of Boeing and Lockheed (the USA) as well as ATG (England) and NAL (Japan). Airships for this employment have a length of approximately 250 meters and a diameter of over 60 meters. But these two systems, hoehenflugzeug and traditional airship, have disadvantages regarding the power supply and the energy storage for the night hours. Also the requirement represents a large problem to an extreme ease with at the same time sufficient stability.
For these parameters the Stuttgart researchers developed their patented aircraft. Apart from lift control, the technological breakthrough was appropriate for stabilization, the classical and regenerativ propulsion variants in the regulation. It applied to find a way to regulate the "air chain" in such a way that the unstably working flight chain is stably controllable by the drives fastened to each segment. The near-surface flight tests in addition were locked now successfully with three prototypes and thus the proof of the controllability was furnished. Now the flight tests for flight testing run in 5000 meters height, which includes the test of the telemetry for the transmission of the system data to the soil also. In this connection also the Rescue paraglider was developed and tested. By the way already the old count Zeppelin had the idea for a so-called member airship. The conversion did not fail at that time however because of that to controllability which can be realized.
*) Information at the Koerber price finds you in our press release No. 53/1999 of 12.7.1999 .
For further information and pictorial material you use yourselves please:
Regine C Henschel TAO , mobile: 0172-6123432, email: henscheltao@aol.com
Note:
The ISD (Institut for statics and dynamics of air and space travel constructions) belongs to the faculty air and space technology and geodesy of the University of Stuttgart.
The TAO Technologies was created as GmbH in Berlin. - your project of the elevator platform (HAP) is to be found with further realized spin off projects of the University of Stuttgart in the InterNet under www.Invest in the best.com.
Letzte Änderung 20.08.2003
PeaceDog & Gatherinfo, i stand corrected
Was using press releases/letters to shareholders as sole source of verifiable material, which by coincidence just happens to be chock full of various Tim H. projections, but which obviously lack reference to exclusions of Strat. revenues on future projections of profitability.
Am hoping Tim's projection for 4th qrt. 2005 on carrier/card end of biz is more accurate then that made this past January for a profitable 2nd quarter. I fear the same problem of immature product lines asked to bear fruit too soon. It will be an interesting scenario if carrier/card biz stalls on the profit side and Strat's carry GTE into 4th quarter green. What then of Tim's projections? Guess we still win.
Thank you both for you comments.
pete
PeaceDog
Personally do not recall reading about excluding sanswire expenses or revenues for that matter, from 4th quarter predictions. And again, judging by the language used in this latest pr....."Working closely with our DoD customers.... and will allow us to deliver, this unique military prototype to these highly valued customers in record time", sure does seem to indicate 4th quarter revenues booked from this project.
Would seem an unusual prediction on Tim's part to seperate himself from revenues he well believed would be booked before the end of the year....at least it is my belief -that as far back as July, Tim maintained a high degree of certainty this military strat would play into our 4th quarter profit picture.
Here's the PR i refered to while developing that last post. Notice the date: almost 6 months prior to the end of the year and Tim states profitability in 4th quarter. With so many new projects being juggled, i find it hard to believe CEO would extend so far out such a grand claim without possessing the
proverbial "Ace-in-the-hole."
GlobeTel Provides Second Quarter 2005 Revenues
July 12, 2005
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--July 12, 2005--GlobeTel Communications Corp., announced today in its revenues for the second quarter 2005 will be in excess of $19 million with projected annual revenues in excess of $80 million. This represents an increase of approximately $1 million over the first quarter 2005 and four times the revenue of the second quarter 2004. Globetel is expecting to file its SEC Form 10Q early in August 2005.
Timothy Huff, CEO of GlobeTel, stated, "We are pleased with our overall performance. With the acquisition of the switch and expansion of our Los Angeles telecommunications facility, and the expected expansion of our Stored Value Card and VOIP Phone products in the third and fourth quarters, we are on track to be breakeven by the third quarter and profitable in the fourth quarter 2005.
Mr. Huff continued, ?We have a strong cash position and balance sheet and all our projects, including the Stratellite, are expected to be fully funded. We look forward to moving to a revenue producing position with our stored value and VOIP products in coming months and are excited about our company and product offerings moving forward.?
Strat profits in 4th quarter?
Much has been speculated about the months old prediction by Tim H. regarding GTE proposed profitability for the fourth quarter 2005. But the question remains, "How is the company going to accomplish this while enmeshed in a multitude of new/nearterm services/products? Here's Hotzone baby-stepping it's way in Germany/Japan/US, OMNI card marketing, and now Stratevoip comes seeking partners, it would seem almost insurmountable that GTE could post a profit on the backs of such infant laborings.
Yet now after reading the latest PR with it's exquisite timing, and with the assumption of successful flight
testing(s) for a military Stratellite, am beyond tempted to state that this prototype is all but sold.....
Ok, a different tact, 4th quarter comes, let's be generous and give the company 7% margins on say 30 million revenues ( 3rd quarter is currently looking at 22 mill and shooting for 3-5% margins.... upper end for 4th quarter). Would the 2.1 million G.P. begin to cover other expenses? If those costs were anything like the 2nd quarter 2005( based on revenues of 18 million), the answer would be a simple no. Even if the fourth quarter did not face the same professional fee expense of 3 mil or so that burdened the 2nd quarter, GTE would seem hard-pressed to meet
a profitable end.
Now, consider a successful and quite sold Strat (read the pr. it even sounds that the gov't received it in the mail...lol).
Profit margins of 30-50% would not seem outlandish for a product for which no other entity has yet to field an equal. What's retail for one of these babies.....25-30 million. Hmmmph. 30% of 30 million puts G.P at a nice 9 million.
No wonder Tim Huff prophesy a profit in the 4th quarter so long ago.
thoughts, anyone..
pete
Tim Huff:Taiwan wants coastal surveillance airships 2007
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/10/05/2003274502
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nice article below on Taiwan's desire to purchase unmanned aerial crafts to provide coastal/sea surveillance. While the nation may be shopping for current technology -products that unfortunately possess narrow-field view & short flight characteristics (such as Bell Helicopter's Eagle-Eye UAV), the obvious best-fit approach would offer wide-field viewing coupled with long duration flight including the option to loiter/prosecute (plus multi-ton payload capacity & perhaps a smattering of telecom on the side).
Entrusting a nations security/survival to devices which may remain "on-station" for a handful of hours & offer limited response options (a function of payload capacity) is not the rational choice for swami....
NASA, in their Coastal Surveillance Report March 2005, stated it best:
"Wide-area surveillance for months at a time is presently impossible as neither satellite nor aircraft can provide these capabilities simultaneously. However, renewable energy technology has progressed enough to seriously consider building aircraft for ultra-long duration flights. In this arena, airships have significant potential. Airships, unlike aircraft, generate lift from buoyancy instead of through aerodynamics.
Consequently, airships do not need to stay in motion to remain aloft. Therefore, they can loiter over a specific location as well as move to a new loaction. In addition, airships can carry large-volume, heavy payloads. These characteristics make airships superb candidates for long-endurance surveillance missions."
http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2005/TM-2005-213427.pdf
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ARTICLE
CGA UNVEILS PLAN TO BUY UAV's
SURVEILLANCE: The Coast Guard Administration hopes it can convince the legislature to allow it to buy unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the nation's waterways and coast
BY RICH CHANG
STAFF REPORTER
Wednesday, Oct 05, 2005,Page 2
The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has proposed deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over the disputed Pratas Islands beginning in 2007 to boost the nation's capability to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance over its territory.
CGA Minister Shi Hwei-yow unveiled a UAV procurement proposal at the legislature on Monday, saying that the Cabinet had agreed to the deal.
Lin An-tai, an official in charge of the procurement from the CGA's Aerial Patrol Division, said yesterday that "the CGA would submit a UAV procurement budget to the legislature the next year, and proposed procuring and deploying UAVs in the Pratas Islands by 2007."
"There are a few companies that producing mature UAVs in the international market. The CGA has asked these companies to offer information about and prices for their UAVs. After examinig this information, the CGA will then be able to decide which type and how many UAVs it would purchase," Lin told the Taipei Times.
A local Chinese-language newspaper, the Apple Daily, yesterday reported that the US firm Bell Helicopter had displayed an interest in producing UAVs for Taiwan, but Lin said he had no knowledge of the matter. Bell Helicopter produces the Eagle Eye UAV for the US Coast Guard.
Lin said having a contingent of UAVs would enhance CGA's capabilities in monitoring the nation's territory.
"A UAV is able to travel for about eight hours, enabling us to view foreign vessels intruding in our waters," Lin said.
Lin noted that while the first UAVs would be based in the Pratas Islands by 2007, the CGA also hoped to have UAVs on its vessels in future.
The Pratas Islands lie in the South China Sea about 444km southwest of Kaohsiung.
Lin said the CGA currently patrols 44km off the Pratas Islands.
The Ministry of National Defense withdrew its Marine units from the Pratas and Spratly islands in 1999, leaving the CGA to guard and patrol those territories.
Taiwan has disputes over the territory and natural resources of the Pratas Islands with neighboring countries, including China.
President Chen Shui-bian said that Taiwan's national security is threatened by an invasion of Chinese fishing boats and exploration vessels, when he traveled to Dongsha Island in late July.
Taiwanese military experts have said that Chinese exploration vessels frequently appear in waters south of Taiwan to conduct hydrographic research for submarines.
Experts have warned that the waters around the Pratas Islands have strategic significance for Taiwan, because the submarines of Beijing's South China Sea fleet must pass the Pratas Islands to enter the waters southwest of Taiwan, or to enter the Pacific Ocean through the Bashi Strait.
Article: UAV's replacing satellites
Cheaper, faster, better seems to be the message here, an argument that reads like it was gleaned from the Sanswire website. But as we know, Globetel adds two additional attributes to the mix: persistence plus payload.
18 long months versus 30 hours for a Global Hawk & Predator B is beyond impressive. Coupled with a payload capacity measured in tons not pounds and it could be very hard to imagine anything other than Stratellites filling the skies in war or peace.
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htintel/articles/20051002.aspx
UAVs Replacing Spy Satellites
October 2, 2005: UAVs are starting to replace spy satellites in the major espionage agencies. The CIA has long had its own fleet of Predator UAVs, and now the NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyses stuff, makes maps, and the like) and NRO (National Reconnaissance Office, which builds and operates spy satellites) want more UAVs as well. The sudden NRO enthusiasm for UAVs is driven partly by money problems. Congress is increasingly reluctant to provide billions for new satellites. For less than a tenth of what a space satellite costs, the NRO realized they could buy high flying UAVs (like Global Hawk), and equip them with satellite grade sensors. In this way, the NRO can get the coverage they need without the expense of a spy satellite. There’s a more practical reason as well, UAVs can circle a location (being “persistent”), while satellites only come by each orbit. NGA can also get stuff from a UAV that they cannot get from the more expensive satellites. This does not mean there will be fewer satellites, for you still need them to check out countries you cannot fly UAVs over. But in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, UAVs are cheaper, and more useful, than satellites.
ken
For a couple of reasons very much doubt this is a documentary film crew attached to the Sanswire 2 efforts.
1) Paramount is definitely working out of hangar 703 (larger of the two) adjacent to Globetel's 704. All their equipment is inside or immediately in front of that hangar door and not ours. Believe me, they must have (or had) 6-8 lux RV's parked inside the restricted area. Film crew presence is Huge compared to Sanswire 2. Also, bear in mind, the rental cost on that building in 2004 dollars is .30 sq. ft/ per month for 750'X 300'.
2) Site 9 has been used in the recent past for other film productions, most notably "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks. They constucted, i believe, the huge terminal interiors inside 703 where Paramount currently is sequestered.
Understand that this end of Plant 42 (far east) is not immediately adjacent (and is partitioned off...fences within fences) to any of the other major facilities (like the Skunk Works)and that security, is simply a gate controlled by two guards and a mobile unit. This side of the facility has not seen any major aeronautical production since the B-1 bomber days.
Hope this helps.
pete
BDay43 about site 9
A few weeks ago it was not uncommon to pass a vehicle turning in toward site 9 just before 5am. On my way home, as late at 4pm, cars would still be there. Whether this represented one long shift or two, personally could not say.
Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, Paramount Pictures moved into the vacate hangar adjacent to GTE. It's a circus now on that side of Plant 42. Hundred cars parked plus RV's, big rigs,
commissary vehicles etc. all within a stones throw away from the Sanswire 2 hangar. Funniest thing i saw..... a van with advertising on the side reading, "Scientology Celebrity Ministry Outreach". Guess that means Tom Cruise is in town...
Because of this new tenant, am unable to determine the goings-on with Sanswire onsite, except that they keep their hangar door shut/narrowly open exclusively now. hope this helps.
pete
We are looking at Leo Daly's handiwork
http://www.washingtonlife.com/backissues/archives/03feb/savoy.htm
powerful men run in the same circles. Thanks Leo, good catch!
GTE featured in article for WIMAX Trends periodical
..oh, and Rubert Murdoch is mentioned in the piece.
http://www.wimaxtrends.com/articles/archives/a090505b.htm
Archived Feature Article
Satellite TV operators eye WiMAX
Caroline Gabriel
Research Director
Rethink Research Associates
Editor of WiMAX Watch
September 5, 2005 - Satellite operators continue to take a strong interest in WiMAX as a way to enhance their triple play plans with two-way communications. According to Reuters, Alvarion is negotiating with US satellite television giant DirecTV Group to supply WiMAX equipment, and the UK’s SkyTV, another Rupert Murdoch company, is also investigating the technology as it comes under increasing competitive pressure from DSL and cable-based offerings.
"Wireless communications infrastructure will speed up the use of DirecTV's networks," said Alvarion Zvi Slonimsky at a recent conference. "The group is now testing WiMAX infrastructures in order to provide its satellite television network sububscribers with high speed communications on the return channel."
Meanwhile, Sanswire is the best known pioneer of ‘stratellites’ - huge balloons or airships as a low cost alternative to satellite for delivering rural services. It is looking to use WiMAX for the last mile in a planned network to span the US and parts of Canada and Mexico.
The Globetel subsidiary says its balloons fly at about 65,000 feet above earth and act as giant microwave repeaters. One stratellite can cover an area the size of Texas and can use solar powered engines to maintain its position.
Sanswire/GlobeTel says it has a $50m deal with the government of Columbia to put five of the airships over the Latin American nation.
Sanswire has also sold rights to its stratellite system to a group of Australians led by Bob Johnson, former CEO of Telstra subsidiary Sensis. One stratellite covers a radius of 200 kilometers and is said to be far cheaper than towers. The company will float stratellites in many areas of Australia and New Zealand to deliver mobile, high definition television, fixed wireless and paging services.
About the Author:
Caroline Gabriel is Research Director of Rethink Research Associates and Editor of WiMAX Watch, a newsletter providing in-depth analysis of the WiMAX market. She is a featured columnist for Trendsmedia's WiMAX Trends, and is a leading industry analyst on wireless and wireless broadband technologies. She recently authored WiMAX Business Models 2004-2007: How to Make Money in WiMAX, published in the US/Canada by Trendsmedia. For further information, email info@trendsmedia.com