System and method for wide-area stratospheric surveillance
US9720078B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/867
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for providing wide-area surveillance with a radar and/or other sensors from a stratospheric balloon launched from a land or ship platform for detection, tracking, and classification of maritime, land, and air objects such as ships, people/vehicles, or aircraft are described generally herein. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus is battery operated and includes a stratospheric balloon filled that is filled with helium when it is launched and a gondola with a radar system and communication equipment suspended therefrom. When launched, the apparatus can travel with the wind until it reaches an altitude of approximately 68,500 ft., then it can move substantially horizontally with the stratospheric winds until it returns to earth via a parachute. Multiple apparatus launches at periodic intervals can help provide continuous coverage of the surveillance area. The apparatus can be recovered and re-used or can be considered expendable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.