flybyday,
I understand that the current envelope design and subsequent tweaks on the envelope was all Kevin Hess; not to mention the milspec Kevlar, tether and winch that sold them on the virility of the system. The resulting stability in higher winds facilitated functionality with many payloads and resulted in a serious capability for the DOD's needs. I'm unclear as to who is credited with the original idea of presenting the platform from a deflated enclosed box condition to fully launched aerostat. It may have arisen from direct discussion with the Army, I don't know. I would defer to IJO on these details, f'ing a-hole that he is, of course. Haha. Thanks neomania for the laugh. I'll bet your house is just a laugh-riot.
Best,
bank
