This is why Geneva Aerospace was there.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lesley Hensell
817-477-3872
me@lesleyhensell.com
New Technology from Geneva Aerospace Transforms Blimps
into Satellite-Quality Communications Links for Army Units
flightTEK™ System Makes the ACE Airship Autonomous
CARROLLTON, Texas – Dec. 1, 2004 – Blimps are back. By adding Geneva Aerospace’s
industry-leading unmanned autonomous flight control technologies to blimps, the military soon
will have more cost-effective communications capabilities in combat areas.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the military learned
its communications coverage, including the ability to keep up with convoys, was not adequate.
The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM), together with
the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) explored the following short-term answer to this
problem.
The Airborne Communication Extender (ACE) airship, manufactured by ISL-Bosch
Aerospace Division of Huntsville, Ala. ACE was recently tested for use by RDECOM in
Lakehurst, N.J. The 125-foot blimp can operate at an altitude of 1 mile, move at speeds of up to
50 miles per hour, and stay aloft for more than 24 hours at a time without a pilot. The blimp is
equipped with Geneva’s avionics technologies, which include the flightTEK™ mission
computer, as well as communications equipment.
“We have given the blimp the capability to be completely autonomous,” said Max
Jensen, director of sales for Geneva Aerospace, Inc. “You can give the vehicle a mission plan
and launch it, and it will be completely hands-off until you recover it. Plus, with flightTEK, the
blimp can be guided by an operator from the ground.”
This application creates a continual communication link for the military, which currently
relies on fixed radio towers or fixed-wing aircraft to provide communications coverage.
“A lot of communications use towers for relays, but they provide only a very short
range,” said Jim Boschma, manager of the ISL-Bosch Aerospace Division. “On the other hand,
conventional manned and unmanned aircraft can stay up for only four to five hours at a time
before they have to refuel.
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“In contrast, the blimp is like having a satellite overhead all the time,” he added. “If
ground forces are on the move, they can stay in radio range constantly.”
Bosch chose Geneva’s flight control system for the ACE Airship after conducting a
survey of autopilot equipment available on the market, Boschma said.
“There are an awful lot of people competing for this kind of business,” he said. “But
Geneva had the system for us. flightTEK is truly on the leading edge. Plus, the company is
flexible about customizing its software to meet the needs of the blimp.”
“The blimp can be built and then operated for years at a fraction of initial cost of building
a satellite,” Jensen said. “In the future, the unmanned blimp could be used for surveillance
activities as well,” he added.
About Geneva Aerospace, Inc.
Geneva Aerospace designs breakthrough technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles, providing
unprecedented autonomy and control. The firm offers advanced flight controls, software, systems
integration services and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Based in the Dallas area,
Geneva’s extensive client list includes the largest U.S. aerospace companies and government
agencies. Learn more at www.genaero.com.
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