Balloons were the first systems for collecting information, surveillance and reconnaissance, followed by airships, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons. With the development of aviation, these basic, less manageable platforms began to be used for recreational purposes.
The revival of the forgotten
Over the past 30 years, especially in recent years, when the level of threats to security and technology has grown significantly, and the need for round-the-clock surveillance systems has increased, balloons filled with helium have received a rebirth. They are increasingly recognized as useful tools for long-term continuous monitoring, because they do not have the main drawback of aircraft - fuel and flight restrictions. They can also provide visual containment of illegal activities, as they are reduced only for refueling and maintenance.
With the development of materials and technologies, the reliability, safety, size and carrying capacity of balloons increased. They can carry the payload - from communication devices to radio, electronic and electronic reconnaissance systems, radars, day and night vision cameras with increasing reliability, range, quality and resolution. So what is a balloon? A photo of such an aircraft is given in the article.
What is a balloon: definition
The name is composed of 2 Greek words: ἀήρ (air) and στατός (standing). Thus, an aerostat is an aircraft lighter than air, the lifting force of which is provided by a carrier gas, such as helium or hydrogen. All known operating systems today use helium as their "lifting" gas. It is non-combustible, therefore safer than hydrogen. In addition, balloons vary greatly in quality, durability, complexity, size and carrying capacity, payload transfer capabilities, range, cost, etc. Given the presence of many platforms and components, we will further discuss their main differences.
The operation of the balloon requires the regulation of helium content, power and communication with the platform, as well as the binding, launch and support of the base station for managing the payload, the actual work of monitoring, communication or collecting information, depending on the task.
System components
In order to fully understand what a balloon is, let’s try to characterize it with several basic parameters. Most systems include the following components:
- the balloon itself;
- “Air unit” - operational payload, which is sensors or devices that provide the task (monitoring, detection, communication, etc.), plus the hardware, communication and power systems needed to run it;
- a ground anchor station that holds the balloon in place;
- a station in which ground operators control the device and the payload;
- helium and auxiliary equipment to maintain the system over time.
The form
Balloons can have a different aerodynamic shape: round, square, in the form of a pumpkin, a kite or a fish. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
Size and volume
Knowing what a balloon is, it is not difficult to guess that its size and, consequently, relative capacity determine the ability of the device to lift the platform, cables, auxiliary equipment and payload to operating height. The value matters - larger systems have greater carrying capacity, stay longer in the air at higher altitudes and in more difficult weather conditions. As expected, this increased power requires heavier and more complex supporting structures, more staff, energy and helium.
Carrying capacity
This is the weight that a balloon can lift besides its own and a cable. Carrying capacity refers to operational payload (e.g., camcorder) and auxiliary systems (power, communications, computers, lighting, etc.).
Operational height
The working height is the height above ground level at which the system is supposed to work to transport a given payload weight. Lift and, therefore, operating altitude may vary due to external conditions, such as air pressure, and operators can lift the balloon to different heights within acceptable limits.
Snap
A tethered cable is a special rope for holding and connecting the aerostat with the ground block. The air part can be permanently attached to a stationary or mobile base (for example, to a vehicle) or disconnected, turning into an autonomous aircraft.
When tied with a cable, the air unit must be equipped with an independent power source (batteries) and wireless connection, therefore such mounts are used in small systems with low power consumption. In the case of the use of the cable, power supply and communication with the ground are provided to them.
Power supply
Balloon systems typically require power from a mains or generator. The power of the ground unit should guarantee the operator the ability to lift, secure and control the aircraft, as well as communicate with the airborne payload.
In non-attached and “dead” attached systems, the air unit is provided with an on-board power source (battery). Battery weight reduces payload. Live snap provides power directly through the cable. This allows the balloon to stay in the air longer and carry a greater operational load, but at the same time the balloon system and its maintenance are more expensive.
Communication
What is a balloon without a communication system? It is necessary for transmitting data from the air unit and payload to the ground station and operator commands.
In non-attached balloons that function like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in “dead” ones, platform and airborne equipment are controlled, as well as data transmission to operators is carried out using a wireless connection. Such systems consume more power and thus limit flight time and range, and the weight of communication components can reduce the payload weight.
In "live" attached systems, continuous cable communication between the balloon and the ground extends the time spent in the air and provides a more secure connection.
Payload
Balloons are aircraft that can carry a diverse payload. In most cases, these are electron-optical devices (day and night vision cameras) or telecommunication equipment. Large aerostatic systems with a constant power supply can carry heavier and oversized loads for longer periods of time. The flight range depends on the characteristics of the balloon platform, lift height and payload. The same system may have different load capacities depending on the design of the platform and station.
Mobility
Balloon systems can fly (like UAVs) or be tied to the ground. The latter are distinguished by the degree of mobility.
Flying balloons function like unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, they face similar restrictions on flight time, range and carrying capacity, as well as specific problems, such as flight speed, helium loss and safety.
Large balloons, as a rule, are tied to the station, because they usually require a heavy ground unit to operate, providing sufficient power, helium and communications. They are disassembled before transportation.
Smaller balloons may be tied to mobile ground units, which include an anchor heavy enough to hold the unit, but light enough to be towed by field vehicles. Such systems fly lower and have lower carrying capacity.
What is a balloon: limitations and safety
The device is affected by wind, air pressure and rain. A high-quality balloon system can stay in the air longer and in harsher weather conditions, providing high-quality data transmission, but it will be more expensive and may require special training and security measures.
Any system that works day and night also requires the organization of shift work by operators to detect and respond to violations.
For helium refueling, it is necessary that the balloon be fixed, and not be in the air. A constant supply of helium is critical to the operation of the apparatus, so gas should be part of long-term estimates of operating costs.