ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) MLM division is trying to team with a US company to develop a high-altitude solar-powered airship for intelligence and detection.
The Israeli defence ministry is discussing the programme with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA).
The Solar Powered Airship (SPA) is designed to "hover" at 69,000ft (21,000m) and to carry a 2,000kg (4,400lb) payload.
Avi Baum, MLM research and development manager, says the SPA will be 200mlong with a 50-60m diameter. The airship will be geostationary, but with the ability to change location to meet mission requirements. It will be powered by solar energy.
From its operating altitude, the SPA will have a 1,000km surveillance footprint, says Baum. It is intended to carry heavy, large volume payloads which require a continuous power supply.
MLM, which developed and manufactures the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, Jericho ballistic missile and Shavit launcher, is talking to unnamed potential partners.
Source: Flight International
