Farnborough International Highlights: GA-22 Airship

BAE Systems announced the launch of GA-22 – an unmanned helium airship subcontracted for design and production to Lindstrand Technologies.

Farnborough International 60th Anniversary marked an important historical event for Lindstrand Technologies: in strategic partnership with BAE Systems, the GA-22 was announced to become the latest addition to BAE Systems growing portfolio of autonomous systems.

A 22 meter long airship, perfect for deployment into roles such as communications relay stations, will be updated and adapted to carry payloads, such as high tech surveillance equipment at up to 150 kilograms in weight, to heights of more than 6,500 feet BAE Systems plan to integrate their existing Unmanned Autonomous Systems into the GA-22 making the technology more accessible to potential users.

“Strategically, GA-22 fits perfectly into the autonomous fleet that we are developing“said Richard Williams, Director of Civil Autonomous Systems at BAE Systems “The new vehicle has the possibility of opening up a range of markets for BAE Systems. It has a range of unique capabilities and we have identified a number of roles at major events, from sporting occasions to floods and forest fires, for which GA-22 is ideal”.

BAE Systems designers and engineers have worked with Lindstrand Technologies to update the original design. GA-22 will be able to carry high-tech surveillance equipment, including a payload of up to 150 kilograms, to heights of more than 6,500ft. In addition, it is being made from a newer and lighter material, which improves the airship’s performance. At the moment GA-22 is radio controlled, but the plan is to make it fully autonomous.

Richard continued: “Even more exciting are the long-term prospects for success. I have no doubt that GA-22 can make a significant contribution to our civil autonomous systems business,” Richard concludes.
About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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