Aerostat Autopilot™

Taking human error out of the equation

 

 

 

 

Aerostat Autopilot is at the heart of every Altaeros aerostat

Multiple levels of advanced autonomy and intelligent control
drives unparalleled mission availability and performance

Automated Dispatch Control

Intelligent decision engine guides the system to fly in accordance with mission objectives, system diagnostics, and weather constraints

AI Flight Director

Manages crewless operations,
including launch and recovery,
through real-time, closed loop
control of full aerostat system

Actuator Control

Individual, low-level controllers keep all actuators and sub-systems in sync and working at peak performance

DISRUPTING DECADES OF STATUS QUO

TRADITIONAL AEROSTAT

High Touch Manual Operation Drives Cost and Downtime

Four to ten trained personnel for 24/7 operations
-Highly variable, mission availability is impacted by operators
On-site monitoring and decision making only
Large crew drives up to 80% of total cost
-Inconsistent operational efficiency varies shift to shift

AUTONOMOUS AEROSTAT

No Day-to-Day Crew, Simpler Logistics, Greater Uptime

Zero on-site crew to maintain daily flight operations
-Real-time automated decision-making maximizes mission availability
Remote monitoring and control increases mission flexibility
-Automation reduces costs by up to 70%
-Aerostat Autopilot introduces operational consistency over time and
across the fleet

TRADITIONAL AEROSTAT

High Touch Manual Operation Drives Cost and Downtime

Four to ten trained personnel for 24/7 operations
-Highly variable, mission availability is impacted by operators
On-site monitoring and decision making only
Large crew drives up to 80% of total cost
-Inconsistent operational efficiency varies shift to shift

AUTONOMOUS AEROSTAT

No Day-to-Day Crew, Simpler Logistics, Greater Uptime

Zero on-site crew to maintain daily flight operations
-Real-time automated decision-making maximizes mission availability
Remote monitoring and control increases mission flexibility
-Automation reduces costs by up to 70%
-Aerostat Autopilot introduces operational consistency over time and
across the fleet

Anatomy of an Autonomous Aerostat

Aerostats are lighter-than-air platforms that use helium to create buoyant lift. Unlike the more familiar blimp, aerostats are attached to the ground with one or more tethers. Altaeros aerostats are attached with 3 tethers that increase safety, stability, and adds redundancy to greatly reduce the risk of a breakaway.

Line drawing of aerostat parts

Aerostat Autopilot: Any Size, Any Scale

Aerostat Autopilot comes included on all Altaeros aerostats no matter their size.
Our signature three-tether system allows us to maintain command and control of every aerostat. Altaeros has over a decade of autonomous aerostat experience and have implemented the autonomous control system on a multitude of differently sized and shaped aerostats. Need a specific feature? Talk to us about a custom aerostat design.

Autonomous Aerostat Safety

Keeping Operators Out of Harm’s Way
Autonomous aerostats eliminate the need for dangerous line handling, winch operation, nose cone capture, and other activities that have a high risk of injury typically associated with traditional aerostats.

Advanced System Intelligence
The airborne and ground equipment are highly instrumented and provide real time fault detection and diagnostics to give operators the tools and intelligence they need to safely and efficiently keep their aerostats up and running.

Airspace Operations
Automated flashing beacons on the hull to comply with airspace regulations. Additional tether beacons, flags, and other markings can be added to meet local airspace regulations.

Autonomy Spotlight: Jason Sorinmade

Meet Jason Sorinmade, Altaeros’ Director of Flights. Jason has been operating aerostats for over ten years – before coming to Altaeros, he piloted aerostats overseas in Afghanistan and state-side at the border. He has extensive experience operating aerostats in many different climates and conditions. This practical knowledge gives him a unique perspective on the advantages of autonomy. Jason sat down with us to discuss the similarities and differences between traditional aerostats vs. Altaeros’ autonomous aerostats and what that means for operators. He also gives a tour of our latest product: ST-Flex! 

Learn How Autonomous Aerostats Can Help You Accomplish Your Mission

Aerostats excel in a wide range of missions due to their ability to lift heavy payloads for long durations.

Government Solutions

Commercial Solutions

Government Solutions

Commercial Solutions