Worldwide Aeros Corp. (Aeros) announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted and approved several of the aircraft’s analysis reports and test plans, as part of the continuing Type Certification process for Aeros’ latest airship, the ’40E Sky Dragon.’ Aeros expects the advanced multi-role airship will begin flight testing in 2016, and enter service after successfully completing the certification process. Analysis reports for the following have been accepted:
Pressure testing the 40E aft ballonet following assembly
Pressure testing the 40E aft ballonet following assembly
Aircraft weight budget
General flight loads
Gust loading
In addition, the FAA has accepted test plans for:
Landing gear drop test
Envelope and Ballonet pressure proof testing
Testing of new landing gear proving pilots static lift data
About the ’40E Sky Dragon’: Aeros’ latest airship was developed for enhanced multi-role mission capability and flexibility. The airship’s vectoring (directionally controllable) propulsion improves pilot handling, reduces takeoff and landing site requirements, and lessens ground crew requirements, while empowering the vehicle’s 500+ Km range and 100 Kph max speed. Building on the performance strengths of the 40D ‘Sky Dragon’ airships in global operation since 2007, the 40E presents extended time-on-station and operational cost advantages when delivering 360° perspective of the air and ground environment. The 40E features useful payload greater than one ton, supporting ISR mission success and efficiency with multi-payload mounting systems for: radar, EO/IR HD cameras, remote sensing technology (e.g. LIDAR), and/or communications relay equipment.
The 40E is optimized to support intelligence gathering, border security, port security and maritime patrol, and SAR operations, among missions as a mobile aerial sensory platform beyond traditional roles like advertising and event broadcast. The aircraft features flight performance capabilities for efficient aerial infrastructure inspection, and delivers mission advantages including vertical takeoff (VTOL), single pilot operation, and lowered operational and sustaining costs versus earlier airships and ISR platform alternatives.
About Aeros: Founded more than 25 years ago, the Aeroscraft Corporation (Aeros) is the world’s most innovative lighter-than-air, FAA-certified aircraft manufacturing company. Aeros has achieved multiple FAA airship type certificates and operates with an FAA Production Certificate, while featuring a product line that includes advanced airships, tethered aerostats and the Aeroscraft cargo airship. Learn more at www.aeroscraft.com or www.nadats.com