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Thanks Mod ... I thought you were. Sorry if I offended you with my replies.
As Argus was cleared for free flight ... one would hope that it isn’t simulating flight in this newly constructed UAV building.
It was written that this new facility is a “13500’ squared - foot- building"
If it is in fact square ... 116’ x 116’ = 13456’
With Argus being listed @ 11’ x 111’ = 1221 square ft
My math shows the possibility of it fitting inside this new flight simulator that is specific for UAV's ... that just happens to be in the same neck-of-the-woods as our supposedly testing / demoing
It’s my understanding that numbers are your speciality ... if you see error in the mentioned above ... please feel free to sand-paper my mistakes & correct away
Nice work W ... the whole area goes hand’n hand ...
“The Creech AFB Main Gate is on U.S. Highway 95, at the north end of the small town of Indian Springs, Nev. Creech is home to the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, and is one of two emergency divert airfields for the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range Complex. The base is located about 45 miles northwest of Nellis AFB.”
http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4094
Shhh ... don’t say anything ... but I believe we’re doing some testing around here via the DoD
“Robot war: 2012 and beyond”
“After years of regularly ushering reporters through drone operations at Creech Air Force Base and getting a flood of glowing, even awestruck, publicity about the glories of drones and drone pilots, this year, without explanation, it shut down press access to the program, moving robotic warfare deeper into the shadows.”
http://m.cbsnews.com/fullstory.rbml?feed_id=13&catid=57346090&videofeed=45&emvcc=-3
; )
Time-lines seemed pretty tight
Aug 17 / 11: we were told ... “Argus One testing to begin Aug 23”
12 days after being told “testing to start” & then 6 days after testing started ...
Aug 29 / 11 : we were informed ...
“announced today that the Argus One airship successfully passed the physical inspection and analysis conducted by the flight safety board at the Yuma proving ground facility.”
But also this head dropper...
“Unfortunately following such approvals, the Company was unable to conduct flight testing of its Argus One UAV at the Yuma proving ground facilities due to an unforeseen incident that occurred while manoeuvring the UAV into its hangar.”
Then after multiple upgrades ... round #2
Nov 16 / 11: Argus testing to begin “early Dec” ... 15 days from here
“WSGI intends to announce information and details regarding the results of the N2S2 flight testing and demonstrations upon conclusion of the flights and after approvals from the sponsoring bodies governing the exercises”
Maybe testing is still on-going ... & going very well? “No news is good news” ... right? They did say they’d tell us “upon conclusion” of testing.
Another thought / sign on how the testing may be going well ... with them awarding themselves 2012 performance bonuses Dec 31 / 2011 ... what's up with that?
Last thought ... they redesigned the pod for multiple plug-n-play options ... this is a platform that is designed to stay on station 400% longer than existing UAV’s ... I think they’d want to run this thing to its max to see exactly what it does x all possibilities ( plug-n-play’s ) ... “anything worthwhile takes time”
; )
Thanks BBB , you did get me wondering!
“From C3ISR capabilities, we've suddenly grown into C5ISR.”
What’s up with the added C’s?
“May 27, 2008... $222M for C5ISR Assistance to SPAWAR”
“to provide production engineering, integration product improvement, test and evaluation, and maintenance support as well as the capacity to modernize or introduce transformational technologies into systems and technical support services”
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Up-to-222M-for-C5ISR-Assistance-to-SPAWAR-Charleston-04913/
What’s “transformational technologies”??
“The marvel of truly transformational technologies is that they bring capabilities and possibilities that we didn't even know we needed. Almost by definition, therefore, the Next Big Thing is impossible to predict. But a safe bet, always, is to expect the unexpected.”
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_41/b3903417.htm
; )
This Oct test became the Dec test ( hopefully )
“In October's test exercises, the Argus One is expected to be flown with a tracking and monitoring system provided by WSGI's wholly owned subsidiary, Global Telesat Corp ("GTC") which will process data collected through Globalstar Inc.'s low earth orbit satellite constellation utilizing GTC's proprietary web-based online platform. In conjunction with the Company's partners, additional communications systems will also be integrated for such tests into the Argus One's pod bay, which is located mid-airship for increased stabilization and vibration dampening. The newly constructed modular sensor bay on the Argus One airship can be attached or removed easily for rapid tactical launch scenarios and ease of mobilization.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/833/world-surveillance-group-announces-expansion-of-yuma-flight-testing-schedule-for-argus-one-uav
So, this above mentioned set-up sounds like the “portable GTC Appliqués’ ...
From WSGI /GTC synergies:
< “A portable GTC Appliqué could be flown in the pod bay of a WSGI UAV to provide ground station capabilities in remote areas where no other ground station exits or where coverage is unavailable.”
Point #2 also seems pretty impressive :
<< “GTC equipment could be flown on a WSGI UAV to provide an aerial satellite replacement capable of providing an entire telecommunications platform in areas struck by natural disaster or countries lacking infrastructure.”
Point #3 sounds like they could do both at the same time :
<<< “Complete turn-key solutions may be provided to customers rather than selling single components.”
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411042071/v229662_ex99-1.htm
Now, with the “test facility” set-up in Maryland & its “exiting ground station / control board” & being ties into the GSAT constellation ... one would hope that the “tether flight testing done @ Maryland” incorporated this “WSGI UAV with GTC Appliqués solution”. That the free flight testing is but a show of it working at a higher altitude or on the move?
The question is why are we focussed on “testing” only this “mobile appliqué” and not the “replacement satellite infrastructure”? Or “complete turn-key solutions”?
; )
“Where are we about 18 months later??”
With the help of Eastcor, new management reworked what was a 50% ownership in this venture to create a 100% ownership ... with a platform that needed rework?
The partial certification at Yuma also falls under the new management time-line ... as does the continued testing / demoing at the N2S2 ... a very specific UAV base? Does this mean nothing to you??
http://defensetech.org/2011/12/08/a-new-secret-drone-base-in-nevada/
Don’t forget new management have put their own money into this “ad”venture as well.
Eastcor can only do so much ... have you read up on what OSU UML provides & what their presence means going forward ... again something that falls under new management???
OSU UML: “Leading Where Others Follow”
“This is where our future UAV designers and engineers will come from ... when we announced our UAS specialised graduate option, we had 40 applicants in one week!”
“Unmanned aerial systems will become a major area for expansion,” concludes Dr McKeever. “Once the FAA allows fully-tested small UAVs to operate in the national airspace, there will be many industries willing to invest in UAVs that perform the kinds of operations they can’t do on the ground or afford to do with a piloted aircraft. I want Oklahoma to become a ‘fly to’ rather than a ‘fly over’ state for UAS development by consolidating these assets, forming collaborations, and building the infrastructure, research, evaluation and training.”
http://www.aero-mag.com/features/18/201111/1090/
“The Army’s Oklahoma UAV superhighway”
"Over the past few years, the military services have been frustrated as commanders’ demand for unmanned aerial vehicles has often exceeded engineers’ abilities to build and test them."
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/07/12/the-armys-oklahoma-uav-superhighway/
“Aerospace Industry Soaring in Oklahoma”
“Through the years, Oklahoma has become a front-runner in research, development, testing and training of UAV's, along with nanotechnology, engine technology, alternative fuels for aviation, and the FAA NextGen system development and aerospace simulation”
. http://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/oklahoma/aerospace-industry-soaring-oklahoma-5119
"OSU-UML will develop the Test Center and pursue customers with UAS capabilities and interests, focusing first on regional and then national partnerships. OSU-UML will coordinate all plans and operations with both Fort Sill and the 301st FW. This MOA stems from the increased role of UAS in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Testing and evaluation of UAS and associated technologies is critical to successful fielding and deploying of operational UAS."
http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices-government/13340625-1.html
“To support the needs of a rapidly growing operation, UML is seeking an experienced and qualified EOD/Special Operations Technician to perform duties associated with government research, development, testing, evaluation, and training projects.”
http://uxoinfo.com/blogcfc/client/index.cfm/2011/10/28/EOD--Special-Operations-Technicians-Wanted
I have a ton of money in this as well. I receive zero DD info from the company ... in fact my last inquiring email didn’t even receive a response ... let alone a hi, bye, kiss my *ss!
I enjoy looking up info on the possibilities the future may hold ... I will proudly say I’m a self made millionaire when the time comes!!!!!
GLTY
To the greatness of this board
If you need to vent frustration & share uncertainty ... as you question hopes / dreams of what seems to be a continued sputtering along the tracks of WTF ... you will find support!
Or, you may find support from those who appreciate shared DD ... in relation to the possibilities that still exist around unproven ideas & technologies ... while wondering where these tracks lead?
When I first stumbled upon this board ( 8 yrs ago ) ... it seemed that time was the only factor holding back the possibilities of these forward looking technologies ... not corruptness
In today’s internet world ... it is easy to find information & share idea’s of possibility... helps to reinforce why I bought into this idea of dreams ... it may help you ... it may even help our resource handi-capped company in some way... be it wishful thinking or just shared optimism
I believe they will work / rework these idea’s until they get it right ... that this technology will be proven & received with open arms ... because there is still a want / need & the market is still huge
GLTA
It sounded as though they were working Friday as well
Did the Smartphone give ARMY the JTRS?
Nov 03, 2011
“Recently the ARMY announced the cancellation of its current contract for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Ground Mobile Radio System. Did its highly publicized plans for a battlefield smartphone have something to it?”
“Some of the more innovative solutions include installing cellular equipment on blimps, UAVs, and aerostats.”
http://blog.amrel.com/blog/bid/77791/Did-the-Smartphone-give-ARMY-the-JTRS
Army Changes JTRS Strategy After Termination Of Ground Mobile Radio
October 21, 2011
"Now that the Ground Mobile Radio has been canceled, the Army has altered its Joint Tactical Radio System acquisition plans to include a search for non-developmental, off-the shelf capabilities for less money, according to the JTRS program executive officer."
"The GMR contract belonged to Boeing, which won a $2 billion award to develop the vehicle-mounted, four-channel radio in 2002. But the GMR was recently canceled due to unsustainable cost overruns which triggered a Nunn-McCurdy breach in June. The breach came as the Army lowered its GMR acquisition objective from 86,000 units to just 10,000. Based on that reduction, the average procurement unit cost of a GMR was $186,000, according to JTRS spokesman Jeff Mercer."
"My view is that this is an evolution," he said. "We invested heavily in the [research and development] in the waveforms and the hardware to run it. Now that we've made that investment, we believe industry can now pick that up and bring us the capability a lot cheaper and a lot faster."
http://www.bctmod.army.mil/news/jtrs.html
Just having fun ... but one never knows ... does one ; )
Published 28 December, 2011 : U.S. Army to deploy VTOL UAV
http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/dr20111228-u-s-army-to-deploy-vtol-uav
As “presumed” the “A-160” is / was one of the VTOL UAV in this “ARGUS Program of Record”
The head scratcher for me is the size of this platform ... when considering how it is to be used / deployed
“The A-160 aircraft is 35 ft (11 m) from nose to tail and has a rotor diameter of 36 ft (11 m).”
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_A160_Hummingbird
“The VTOL aircraft will give forward-positioned Army units the ability to deploy a wide-area UAS Intelligence, Surveillance Reconnaissance, or ISR, asset without needing access to a runway.
Good news...
“The formal VTOL Program of Record will involve a full and open competition among many vendors able to propose UAS solutions able to meet the desired requirements, he added.”
7.2) "GSAT shall have free and unlimited commercial usage and control of the Appliques at the designated location for free Data Services and its operations within GSAT System"
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411054273/v235078_ex10-37.htm
But today we also offer ...
“Commercial sale of airtime and messaging ( data ) through FREE Globalstar airtime”.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411042071/v229662_ex99-1.htm
So, the GTC / GSAT relationship is workable?????
Thanks Mide for sharing that.
3) c ... mentions “GTC will receive the same simplex data service rights ... with respect to Appliques”
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411054273/v235078_ex10-39.htm
But I haven’t found mention of the 10 000 ESN’s ... like this past year agreement.
Looking forward to next week / future WSGI updates to say the least
; )
Just getting back in W ... Here is the GTC / GSAT Agreement that I was quoting from...
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411058833/v237795_ex10-40.htm
Here is Mides post... with older agreements within
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=68688606
I haven’t read the older agreements in a while so I don’t have an answer to your question.
But...
This “GTC Operations” statement can be found on pg 12 of the 2011 summer shareholder info package...
“Commercial sale of airtime and messaging through FREE Globalstar airtime”.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411042071/v229662_ex99-1.htm
We know they ( GSAT ) use our GTC Appliques ... for free GSAT airtime? For use of this projected Ground station we are to receive ESN stickers? Sounds like a Barter type relationship?
Thanks Mad ... if in fact these “proprietary devices” collect / add-in the missing but wanted info ( weather, etc ) that is desired / needed within the new FAA Air-traffic satellite based monitoring / control system ... over Globalstar’s satellite system ... then this delay in certification could be a direct result to what turned out to be their delay... I’m hoping?????
I agree Moosh ; )
Back to those 10 000 non commercial ESN’s from GSAT...
I see Electronic Serial Number’s or ESN’s are found within Globalstar’s SPOT devices as well... not only phones
“The unit's ESN and Authorization numbers are printed on a sticker located in the battery compartment. You'll need these numbers to activate the unit on SPOT's network.”
http://gpsmagazine.com/2008/01/spot_satellite_messenger_perso.php?page=2
So, it would seem that we will soon have 10 000 non commercial ESN’s ( "sticker's? ) that could be applied to propriety devices made by our very own GTC ... devices that would be used over GSAT’s satellite system ... to government customers ... BUT maybe commercially if Globalstar & the FCC pass certification? NICE!!!!!
. "GTC has developed various simplex satellite tracking devices that are capable of transmitting locational and other information from any location within the Globalstar satellite network. Although GTC can sell to U.S. government customers without the need for any form of certification, GTC can not sell such tracking devices commercially without certification from Globalstar and the Federal Communications Commission for use in the U.S., and from comparable entities globally, like CE Mark. GTC has begun the process to apply for certification to sell these devices both in the U.S. and globally. Although, GTC believes the likelihood of obtaining these certifications is high due to its experience in producing these tracking devices for government customers combined with its knowledge and experience of the Globalstar network and their certification requirements, there is no guarantee that GTC will be able to certify its tracking devices. GTC is currently obtaining certification of their proprietary tracking devices for commercial applications and expects to begin selling the tracking devices and service plans before the end of 2011."
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/sec-filings#document-22343-0001144204-11-063557
; )
I’m not happy with the shareprice ... or the length time that we’ve been down so low Mad ... but, we are still around & building a very impressive “long base” ... from which we could march back up to where we came from?
The rework to what was the STS-111 took a lot of time and the running clock almost needs to be reset? I believe ARGUS wouldn’t be testing / demoing where it is if things weren’t finally ready to improve for the better.
Globalstar had a major problem with their satellites and were limited in their product offerings ... this updated constellation will once again allow for two way voice services. I’m not sure how our GSAT / GTC relationship operates but within the “Shareholder’s Meeting” info link ... it says “Commercial sale of airtime and messaging through FREE Globalstar airtime”. They use our Appliques and we get free messaging & soon to be voice services to offer / package ... via an airship ( at some point )?
If in fact our airships perform as desired and these new devices that the FAA is looking into ... which would allow our LTA UAV to operate in regular / regulated airspace ... the possibilities in which our product could be used is limited only to ones imagination.
I think things could pick up speed quickly ... when they do start happening .
WSGI writes / talks about “GTC Operations” and there is mention of GSAT found within these two links...
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411042071/v229662_ex99-1.htm
http://content.stockpr.com/snsr/media/67af2c30664a7c45c5136a5f3026bd08.pdf
If you haven’t seen them ... they may help
Also...
“GTC will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of WSGI”
"The GTC acquisition is expected to enable the Company to offer unique, turn-key satellite and aerial based tracking, ISR and communications solutions in major expanding markets here and abroad."
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/793/world-surveillance-group-acquires-global-telesat
So, this “Oct test @ YUMA” didn’t happen ... but did it happen in the “early Dec test @ N2S2” ? Could the delay have been tied with the GSAT launch delay??
“In October's test exercises, the Argus One is expected to be flown with a tracking and monitoring system provided by WSGI's wholly owned subsidiary, Global Telesat Corp ("GTC") which will process data collected through Globalstar Inc.'s low earth orbit satellite constellation utilizing GTC's proprietary web-based online platform.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/833/world-surveillance-group-announces-expansion-of-yuma-flight-testing-schedule-for-argus-one-uav
Could our want of “10 000 Electronic Serial Number’s” ... with their “6 bits reserved for future applications” ... possibly have anything to do with GSAT involvement with the future FAA air traffic system?
"The system will be compatible with virtually any 978 Megahertz Universal Access Transceiver, or 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B avionics source," Nelson said. "The higher data transfer rate that Globalstar´s new constellation will provide is absolutely necessary for ADS-B link augmentation.
The ALAS™ system is designed to augment existing ADS-B networks commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration as well as systems in Australia and Europe to create trans-oceanic and remote services well out of the range of conventional ground based networks. It also has the potential to offer the real-time backhaul of Flight Data Recorder information, UAS sensor data, bi-directional meteorological data and bi-directional voice in a wide range of avionics and air traffic management applications.
According to ADS-B Technologies Director, Dr. Fred Fish, "So far, industry response and peer reviews have been quite positive. Airborne testing and the certification process will continue for another year or so and we´re on schedule for an initial commercial demonstration sometime in mid-2013."
http://www.ads-b.com/news.htm
; )
A little more info on these “Electronic Serial Number’s” …
"An Electronic Serial Number identifies mobile devices. Its primary purpose is to verify a user’s legitimacy.
The 32 bit long ESN includes 8 bits representing the manufacturer code, a unique 18-bit serial number, and 6 bits reserved for future applications.
The ESN is used where there is a need for uniqueness in identification. Some of the applications are listed below:
• The ESN is particularly useful for identifying stolen cellular phones even if the SIM card is changed. Apart from this, it can be used to prove that a certain mobile device was used to make or receive a call. Other key uses include tracking for inventory and warranty claims.
• The ESN in mobile devices can be used for time attendance and registration tracking as well."
http://www.tech-faq.com/esn-electronic-serial-number.html
Any thoughts on why we / GTC would want these 10 000 ESN’s? I’m intrigued that there is available space within them for "future applications" or customization?????
; )
Mide posted some great DD on the GTC / Globalstar relationship a while back ... here’s one link within his post that sheds some light on their relationship ... “GSAT use of a new Ground Station that GTC is to build and in return we / GTC receives 10 000 non commercial electronic serial number’s (ESN)”
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919742/000114420411058833/v237795_ex10-40.htm
Here is some info on electronic serial number's (ESN)...
http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/resources/esn/index.cfm
Here is Mides post ...
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=68688606
“New Czar Would Oversee, Coordinate DOD's Airship Programs”
12/14/2011...
"The Pentagon would be required to establish an airship czar, whose responsibilities the defense secretary has some latitude to define, under legislation key House and Senate lawmakers agreed to this week, a development that comes as the military's renewed interest in using lighter-than-air vehicles for both intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as airlift missions grows."
http://defensenewsstand.com/index.php?option=com_customproperties&view=show&tagId=17&Itemid=424
Now, if we could only get to some secluded area to demo our product to the DoD ... Merry Christmas!!!!!
; )
“Recent Development Efforts for Military Airships”
NOVEMBER 2011...
“In light of the demand for aircraft capable of remaining aloft for long periods of time, considerable interest in airships as alternatives to conventional aircraft exists. Although unmanned airships are unproven, they have the potential to remain in the air for long periods—providing mission durations that are many times longer than would be practical for conventional aircraft. Consequently, the military services are exploring a variety of designs for unmanned airships capable of carrying ISR sensors.”
HTTP://WWW.CBO.GOV/DOC.CFM?INDEX=12479
; )
Thanks BB … with a successful 10 000’ – 20 000’ ARGUS platform … I believe there are a few area’s of budgeted interest
Unmanned Aerial Systems. The fiscal 2012 budget continues strong funding for
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR) capabilities. The base budget includes $4.8 billion to develop and procure additional
Global Hawk Class (RQ-4), Predator Class (MQ-1/9), and other less expensive, low-altitude
systems.
Plus…
Chem-Bio Defense. The fiscal 2012 budget includes $1.5 billion for the Chemical and
Biological Defense Program (CBDP), including measures to better understand potential threats,
secure and reduce dangerous materials, and prevent potential attacks.
Nuclear Modernization. The fiscal 2012 budget supports the close partnership between
DoD and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) by including $2.2 billion over
fiscal 2012-fiscal 2016, primarily for modernization of the nuclear weapons complex and
sustainment of the stockpile.
I see a “Non – DoD Classified: $5.5B” … in the pie graph as well ... pg 10
Considering it’s the same DoD that is … “sponsoring flight tests and demonstrations at N2S2” ... anything is possible!?!?!
From the “UML agreement”…
According to the terms of the agreement, both parties agree to cooperate and conduct RDT&E, technical, engineering and scientific activities using the facilities, staff, methods, and technologies of each party to rapidly advance technology, from concept to operation, in the following areas: chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (collectively, "CBRNE"), command, control, computers, communication, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ("C5ISR"), and unmanned aerial systems ("UAS").
; )
BBB has used quotations around the word acquiring… as in “acquiring” because that word…”acquired” can be found within the linked document
There was the option of using the word “Disposed”… but that would have been incorrect
; )
Thanks for ALL the TA info BBB & Nilremerlin … your consistency is very impressive!!!!!
; )
With multiple payload's / testing ( s ) x 3 - 4 days on station / per event? ... it may be a while before we hear anything yet
“The newly developed pod bay was re-designed and constructed with new electronics ... The pod bay continues to be designed to be "plug and play" for swift and easy integration of different payloads for various airship applications and missions.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/923/argus-one-uav-completes-flight-testing-with-new-pod-bay-and-propulsion-system-in-preparation-for-upcoming-flight-testing-and-demonstrations
; )
BBB… thanks for the update
Here’s a little more that may help clear / muddle the picture…
“Rural wireless provider Open Range Communications filed for bankruptcy…”
“Open Range Communications ran into trouble last fall when the FCC yanked Globalstar's waiver to use its satellite spectrum for ground-based mobile broadband service… Leaving Open Range no choice but to partner with LightSquared.”
http://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2011/10/open-range-blames-bankruptcy-on-spectrum,-equipment
Things that make you go hmm
Gran Torino... I believe the ECE people reworked parts of the platform that we may not see... even though the outside has that familiar look? That, what we have / see ... we paid for. I thought we had "upgraded the skin" as well, said Mr. Clark at the Conference in Colorado... "to a fiber-glass type material" ; )
From the “Settlement Agreement”...
“TAO & Kroplin keep all cash & Shares of Sans stock paid to them...”
“Sans. To it’s knowledge, is not currently using any trade secret rights of TAO / Kroplin...”
“Sans & GTC give TAO & Kroplin a release and covenant not to sue for any past, current & future claim...”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/sec-filings?page=6#document-16723-0001144204-11-017623
From your article...
“ The design and construction of Argus One follows years of research and development by the Company of alternative LTA technologies and solutions and combines innovative approaches to LTA technology proprietary to Sanswire. Argus One is Sanswire’s initial LTA UAV equipped with the Company’s newly developed, proprietary stabilization system that autonomously controls the level of rigidity of the airship in flight. This airship design significantly differs from many of the LTA platforms that have been in operation for over a century.”
I think this part within is also very important going forward… as our first customers are to be Military / Government?
“Argus One was specifically developed by Sanswire using US developed technologies that take full advantage of the microelectronics and command and control technologies protected under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) for potential US Government and approved commercial customers. The Company is also refocusing its efforts on establishing relationships with research and development and flight facilities in the US for development of the Argus line of airships.”
imo
Thanks ShakeyGuy, for the enlightening article on the test area... helps explain its use ... who may be involved & its importance
“The Yucca Lake airfield, deep inside the heavily restricted Tonopah Test Range, is on land owned by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a division of the Department of Energy (DoE), but was constructed and operated by an undisclosed government customer.”
“one construction company involved with the Yucca Lake project lists it as a classified US Air Force installation.”
“Yet Yucca Lake's isolation from other highly classified sites, including nearby Groom Lake and Tonopah Test Range in Nevada and Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, suggests that even normal military secrecy is insufficient.”
“One potential conclusion is that Yucca Lake is where the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) tests hardware and software for its large but classified UAVe programme.”
"The purpose of this facility is to construct, operate, and test a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles. Tests include, but are not limited to, airframe modifications, sensor operation, and onboard computer development. A small, manned chase plane is used to track the unmanned aerial vehicles."
“DoE's Nevada facilities are frequently used for "work for others," including the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Homeland Security (DHS).”
; )
I think the Yuma test / demo in Aug went better than what we were told ; )
How can you be so prepared going into the test / demo...
July 8 / 11: “In preparation for the Argus One's testing at Yuma, WSGI has also built and tested redundant backup systems for the airship, including propulsion packages, onboard electronics and gas bag systems.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/823/wsgi-completes-additional-flight-testing-of-argus-one-uav-in-preparation-for-yuma-flight-exercise
Aug 29 / 11: But then go home because of... “minor damage to the envelope”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/863/world-surveillance-group-provides-update-on-argus-one-uav-testing-at-yuma-az
Sept 22 / 11: Talking with the Yuma Director’s / we’re good to go ... “newly improved and reinforced airship envelope as well as improvements to mechanical systems located in the airship's pod bay unit.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/873/world-surveillance-group-announces-successful-flight-of-argus-one-uav-in-easton-md
Nov 17 / 11: We learn they also gave us... “a more powerful propulsion unit and improved propeller functionality for better handling and manoeuvrability.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/923/argus-one-uav-completes-flight-testing-with-new-pod-bay-and-propulsion-system-in-preparation-for-upcoming-flight-testing-and-demonstrations
Lots of rework to Argus considering it was still tethered testing????? I think Argus was off its leash ; )
I think “they” were very impressed... considering the area the next round of testing / demoing is taking place. I don’t know if a company, private or public has announced they’re working out of “area 51” before... but I love how close we are : )
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Wfm_area51_map_en.png
“Its mission may be to support the development, testing, and training phases for new aircraft weapons systems or research projects. Once these projects have been approved by the United States Air Force or other agencies such as the CIA, and are ready to be announced to the public, operations of the aircraft are then moved to a normal air force base.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51#
Hello Fort Sills... we’ll be there soon ; )
Another thought... the gents with the matching green hats / jackets & beige pants... along side Argus look Army? Our new test location seems kinda Air Force ( ish )?
http://www.wsgi.com/argus.php
imo
The Department of Energy, Nevada Site Office is located at 232 Energy Way, North Las Vegas, NV.
http://www.nv.doe.gov/about/visitors/directions.aspx
BUT...
From what I’ve read... “The Nevada National Security Site is located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.”
http://www.nv.doe.gov/outreach/tours.aspx
Which is Mercury, Nevada...
“Mercury, Nevada is a town in Nye County, Nevada, United States, 5 miles north of U.S. Route 95 at a point 65 miles further northwest of Las Vegas. It is situated within the Nevada Test Site and was constructed by the Atomic Energy Commission to house and service the staff of the test site.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury,_Nevada
Check out the area map / neighbor-hood ... I see that “area 51" is right there... seclusion at it’s finest... woo hoo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wfm_area51_map_en.png
; )
Everything changes with time... right?
"Unmanned Systems : News on the Pentagon's unmanned aerial, ground and underwater systems
MTCR May Debate Allowing FMS For Lighter-Than-Air Unmanned Aircraft
Inside the Navy - 11/28/2011 ( tomorrows news? )
A group of 34 countries that signed the Missile Technology Control Regime, which restricts trade of unmanned aerial systems and missiles,may once again debate whether to amend the agreement to allow for foreign sales of lighter-than-air unmanned aircraft, a move that has failed in the past.”
http://defensenewsstand.com/index.php?option=com_customproperties&view=show&tagId=9&Itemid=411
“International sales of our products may also be subject to U.S. laws, regulations and policies like the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other export laws and regulations and may be subject to first obtaining licenses, clearances or authorizations from various regulatory entities.”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/sec-filings#document-22343-0001144204-11-063557
W.W. I’m pleased with the recent developments as well... and what the future holds in store. We’ve been following this company for a while now but the possibilities / different uses these platforms represent hasn’t changed... it’s still HUGE.
It seems that these ADS-B transponder devices are the ticket to the FAA acceptance of our LTA UAV to operate in regulated airspace... and I’m excited that UML is experienced in their use & the resources that they / we now have... to prove the ARGUS system
We have finally seen acceptance of the LTA platform... with the recent Government funding of other systems... which we know was VERY IMPORTANT. With a military certification stamp on the ARGUS system hopefully we’ll see funding of sorts in the not too distant future as well... when considering the larger models... 230’ or Strat are based on the ARGUS design
; )
An OU ( Oklahoma University ) team is leading the effort to develop multi-mission and “intelligent” radar sensor systems for airborne and space-borne platforms, which mainly include HALE (high altitude, long endurance) and MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) UAVs. These can be “compressed” for small UAVs in the future.
The sensor system consists of a diversified, even conformal antenna array. An embedded processor contains machine intelligence to handle different types of external hazards and a set of integrated RF transceiver electronics.
The sensor transmits optimized pulse wave¬forms that scan the airspace, producing target signatures at different frequencies and polariza¬tions for comparison with its “knowledge” to determine and classify aviation threats in space. Like a bat that changes its sound tunes to adapt to different environments, the radar sensor can adjust its frequency content and modulation method for better sensing of various targets.
Development of such a sensor system has resulted in breakthroughs in several aspects of system components and initial prototype system flight tests. As an example, the first dual-polarized array antenna was built by the RIL in 2008-2009.
The integrated transceiver for antenna array developed in 2010 achieves the lowest SWaP at S band frequencies. The advanced, physi¬cal model-based simulators have been developed and serve as an important tool to evaluate the performance of system designs.
Another very important direction of the UAV-radar payload is the combination of radar sensors with Global Navigation Satellite System tran¬sponders and receivers, which means that sensors and navigation processors can be integrated into the same package.
“The OU team is the leader in this area with developments and tests of ADS-B transponder-based radar and the concept of passive GNSS signal radars,” says Yan Zhang, assistant profes¬sor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering/ARRC.
http://arrc.ou.edu/pdf/Sensors_Review.pdf
; )
Some interesting reading... UML and their UAS Project being uniquely positioned within the expanding Fort Sill... UAS growth and Sensor technology
“Growth at Fort Sill paves the way for world class unmanned aerial systems ( UAS ) testing, certification and training center.”
“Both the Fort Sill & UML UAS projects complement each other.”
“We also, because of the airspace, have a great deal of Army - Air Force inter – service activity to advance joint tactical operations.”
“Fort Sills trains Joint Fires Observers ( JFO ) who work with the Air Force’s Joint Terminal Attack Controller’s ( JTAC ). In combat, JFO work with deployed JTAC on the ground to identify targets for Air Force pilots in the skies above. It’s a service provided by the Air Force to the Army.”
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28750525/Sensors-Magazine-2009-Sensor-Industry-in-Oklahoma
; )
Rwehapi, mide reported...
“At the SHM, Phipps made a key point about the Globalstar satellite array and made particular emphasis on the data transfer packets that were still 95-99% viable on the old array, implying GTC had access to those and they had huge potential for I presume intel purposes going forward.”
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=66190545
Could the data transfer packets that Phipps was / is excited about... help with the “data services” that these new “UAT Beacon Radio’s” will be capable of & the huge possibility they represent going forward?????
; )
Well, if ARGUS performs as desired for the DoD in its coming tests... it looks like the means are soon to be in place to safely add it / them into the Homeland Security / DoD operational mix...
The UAT Beacon Radio was designed to enhance cooperative surveillance among low-altitude airspace users, such as small unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs)...
It is a digital radio system about the size of two decks of cards, portable, and battery-powered, and supports multiple broadcast data services.
"The UAT Beacon Radio was designed to help safely incorporate UAVs into civil airspace through expanded use of cooperative surveillance," said Dr. Agam Sinha, senior vice president and general manager of the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development, the federally funded research and development center MITRE operates for the Federal Aviation Administration. "This is critical, particularly given the rapidly increasing DoD and DHS need for airspace access to train UAV pilots and carry out border protection missions."
The UAT Beacon Radio transmits aircraft reports in a manner compatible with the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system being adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the international civil aviation community. MITRE's small, lightweight, ADS-B-based system has a power source, positioning sensor, and UAT ADS-B transmitter in a self-contained package. If ADS-B is widely accepted by the UAV and general aviation communities, it could help mitigate the difficult challenge of unmanned aircraft autonomously sensing and avoiding other aircraft, manned or unmanned.
The MITRE Corporation (www.mitre.org) is a not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government. It operates federally funded research and development centers for the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security, with principal locations in Bedford, Mass., and McLean, Va.
http://www.mitre.org/news/releases/10/uat_beacon_radio_07_23_2010.html
With the recent announcement of Globalstar providing the backbone to this new Worldwide Air Traffic Network / ADS-B System
http://www.ads-b.com/news.htm
It seems to me... that the support our GTC division plays within Globalstars operations may be magnified going forward... when considering these “award winning Beacon Radio’s”... with their size / omitted radio signal?
“GTC owns processing hardware, known as appliqués, which enable and power Globalstar’s simplex data services and SPOT tracking devices. These services focus on asset tracking and remote sensor monitoring applications that consist of low bandwidth transmissions requiring very low power.”
http://content.stockpr.com/snsr/media/67af2c30664a7c45c5136a5f3026bd08.pdf
; )
“Collaboration Focussed on Commercializing the Argus One UAV”...
"The UML is very pleased to have the opportunity to assist WSGI achieve its ambitious goals of product development and ultimate commercialization of a very unique UAS to help meet the security needs of our nation. The stratospheric airship offers tremendous potential in the rapidly growing unmanned era of the aerospace industry. The UML and our relationships with Oklahoma's research universities offer WGSI an enhanced capability to expedite development of new capabilities for the DoD and for homeland security," said Dr. Web Keogh, Laboratory Director, UML.
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/903/world-surveillance-group-executes-agreement-with-oklahoma-state-university---university-multispectral-laboratories
Well, the only way these LTA UAV’s will be allowed to operate / fly freely over the U.S.A is with the stamp of approval from the F.A.A.
The resent “WSGI newsletter” showed an example of the GTC / GSAT “ customer asset tracking in near real time” that can be “customized to customer specific applications”.
http://content.stockpr.com/snsr/media/67af2c30664a7c45c5136a5f3026bd08.pdf
My point? If GTC / GSAT can track “movement”, a car? Why couldn’t OUR devices be put on our airships to track their movement? Something like the “Universal Access Tranceiver (UAT) Beacon Radio”... that has been specifically designed for aircraft tracking over satellite... Globalstar’s
Did you see this...
“In January, OSU and the UML signed a memorandum of understanding for the development and
possible use of unmanned aerial systems to assist the Federal Aviation Administration in inspecting instrument landing and navigation systems.”
http://www.okstate-uml.org/news/burns.pdf
And we’re now RIGHT THERE @ UML... this is gettin’ real good
; )
Thanks W.W. & Nil... from your link
"In January, OSU and the UML signed a memorandum of understanding for the development and
possible use of unmanned aerial systems to assist the Federal Aviation Administration in inspecting
instrument landing and navigation systems."
; )