Russia is developing a new range of low-visibility aerostats designed for a broad set of tasks, from extending communications coverage to carrying electronic warfare systems, optical equipment and acoustic sensors. The project is being led by the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center.
Alexey Chadayev, the center’s CEO, told RIA Novosti that residents of the facility already have access to as many as ten aerostats in different configurations. Depending on their purpose, the platforms can carry signal repeaters, optical systems, acoustic sensors, electronic warfare equipment and other payloads.
One of their main roles is signal relay. Chadayev explained that the growing use of robotic systems has created a gap between controlled and autonomous equipment. Raising repeaters aboard aerostats can extend the effective operating range of unmanned systems used at sea, in the air and on the ground.
He added that aerostats are gaining renewed relevance as more specialized devices become compact enough to be mounted on them. This allows the platforms to serve as versatile carriers for different types of equipment.
Reducing visibility is another part of the design. The new aerostats are made from a special transparent material that, according to Chadayev, helps them blend into the surrounding environment and makes them harder for an adversary to detect.
Chadayev discussed the project following the third International Technology Congress, held at Patriot Park from September 8 to 10.