World Surveillance Group Inc (fka WSGI)

[sami1327]

I came across this and thought WTF .. we need to go shopp’n again:

"Tactical aerostat designed for high winds deploying to Afghanistan

May 06, 2013

The first of six small, tactical aerostats ordered by the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has been delivered by Carolina Unmanned Vehicles (CUV), Raleigh, NC, and is readying for deployment to Afghanistan to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for small, forward operating bases that cannot meet the logistic requirements of larger aerostat systems.

The Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS) consists of several optional ISR payloads developed by Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). The sensors are attached under a small, specially designed tethered blimp called a Helikite. A trailer-carrier that stores the Helikite and the required winch, sensors and helium tanks are also provided."
http://defensesystems.com/articles/2013/05/06/aerostat.aspx


But then realized that we are playing a supporting role:

“KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/09/13 -- World Surveillance Group Inc. (OTCQB: WSGI), a developer of lighter-than-air aerostats and unmanned aerial systems, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lighter Than Air Systems Corp. ("LTAS"), has provided seven critical aerostat launcher electric main winches and spare components to support the Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System ("STMPAS") for the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force ("REF").

The LTAS custom designed, engineered and manufactured winch systems were requested by Georgia Tech Research Institute working with the REF in support of the STMPAS”
http://ir.stockpr.com/wsgi/company-news/detail/1164/lighter-than-air-systems-provides-aerostat-launcher-sub-systems-to-support-the-u-s-army-rapid-equipping-force

Phew ; )