Sanswire 2A tech demonstrarer testing
Sanswire 2A Technology Demonstrator Testing Moves Outside
Sanswire Networks LLC, announced that its Sanswire 2A technology demonstrator completed its first outdoor, low altitude, float test. During the first float, the structural integrity and overall balance of the airship were tested in uncontrolled atmospheric conditions.
Sanswire expects to test the airship over a period of at least 90 days. The testing will be performed to evaluate the entire integrated airship system. The first test of the structural loads and lifting qualities has been completed and will soon be followed by further airframe tests to ensure airship readiness for a dynamic flight environment. Upon installation of the avionics suite and propulsion system, a series of low altitude tethered tests and then, a series of high altitude tests will take place. At each stage of testing, Sanswire’s engineers will evaluate the airship’s flight qualities to determine if the airship is working within its design parameters. Throughout the systems testing data will be analyzed to qualify the airship design, with redesign accomplished as needed.
Peter Khoury, GlobeTel’s interim CEO, stated, “In the past, the Company has tried to give its shareholders milestones on the progress of Sanswire, but this has been difficult given the nature of aerospace projects and the unique set of program objectives. The Company’s goal is to provide its shareholders with current information in a format that does not set unrealistic expectations or assumptions for a cutting edge aerospace program. The Company cautions that delays must be expected from time to time, but progress in the program is its bottom line goal.”
The Company intends to announce the completion of each test stage, and following the completion of the low-altitude tethered flights, free-flight tests at the Air Force Test Range at Edwards Air Force Base will ensue. Additionally, Sanswire is preparing to file provisional patents covering the intellectual property associated with the airship, and upon accomplishment of that objective, a priority for the Company, it will organize an invitational media day, presently anticipated for late October.
“The results of our first float test are encouraging,” stated Doug Murch, Lead Engineer for the project. “The combined rigid hull/envelope structure behaved according to design resulting in a successful test during its first float outside of our hangar. Our primary test objectives were focused on the newly designed empennage, or fin/rudder system, in order to gain additional insight into the airship’s structural and load bearing qualities in the open air. The resulting test data will be invaluable in order to prepare for our series of flight tests.”