Nil, Thanks...looks like a possible fit for Argos One or BIB?:
MINIMUM GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The U.S. EPA is looking to purchase a maneuverable, aerial system capable of lofting an approximately 23 kg (50 lb) payload to heights of up to about 300 m (1,000 ft). The aerial system will be used to sample emissions above a variety of open area sources, including prescribed fires, detonations, and industrial area sources. The aerial system must be maneuverable at a user-controlled altitude and coordinates either via electric (preferred) or non-carbon fuel self-propulsion or via a ground-based tether on a mobile platform or a combination thereof. It must have the following capabilities.
Synopsis:
Added: Oct 29, 2012 2:52 pm Modified: Nov 15, 2012 4:12 pmTrack Changes
Another set of questions was received and EPA has made the decision to respond to them. Any future questions may be answered at the discretion of EPA.
The following requirements imply that the air vehicle must be an RPV with an on-board propulsion system:
• Automated safe return or rapid landing feature if ground control or wireless connection fails.
Comment: Tethered aerostats have no such capability; they do have a rapid deflation device which automatically actuates upon a tether break (per FAA requirement).
EPA Response: If the Offeror proposes a remotely piloted vehicle, it must include a return to home feature.
• Capable of maintaining a fixed position (+/- 10m) wrt to the ground and altitude.
Comment: With no active airborne controls, tethered aerostats are subject to winds aloft; in a steady wind, it provides a very stable platform but with wind direction or intensity changes its fixed position may vary more than +/- 10m.
EPA Response: Of course, this performance specification will be subject to wind conditions.
• Can maneuver or be maneuvered to move at 4m/sec (10 mph) in a quiescent atmosphere.
Comment: With no active airborne controls, the platform can be moved at 10 mph only by moving the ground mooring systems, i.e., the Gator.
EPA Response: The specification for maneuverability must be accomplished independent of any ground mooring system.
• Capable of being oriented in relation to the ground and maintaining that orientation.
Comment: See second comment above regarding maintaining a fixed position.
EPA Response: Of course, this performance specification will be subject to wind conditions.
• Capable of moving into the wind to a position lateral and perpendicular to its secure point
Comment: Tethered aerostats have this capability but only as driven by the prevailing wind.
EPA Response: If a tethered aerostat is proposed, then it must have a means of propulsion independent of any ground mooring system.
• Minimal boundary layer or propulsion effect proximal to the payload that will affect gas collection from the payload sampler.
Comment: Tethered aerostats have no airborne propulsion systems.
EPA Response: If a tethered aerostat is proposed, then it must have a means of propulsion independent of any ground mooring system.
Also, your responses to Questions 1 and 2 regarding the maximum operating altitude are a bit confusing. Specifically, in your response to Question 1, it is stated that the system will be operated from a maximum elevation of 5,500 ft ASL. The response to Question 2 states the maximum ground elevation is also 5,500 ft ASL with a required operating altitude of 300 m (~1,000 ft) AGL. Is it correct to assume that the density altitude of the airborne platform is 6,500 ft ASL, i.e., maximum elevation of 5,500 ft ASL + maximum operating altitude of 300 m AGL?
EPA Response: Yes, 6,500 feet.
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