Blimps to patrol US borders for enemy missiles

http://www.smh.com.au ^ | October 1, 2003 - 10:49AM

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Blimps to patrol US borders for enemy missiles

October 1, 2003 - 10:49AM

The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. a $US40 million ($58.95 million) contract to develop a high-flying, remote-controlled blimp that would monitor US borders and scan the horizon for enemy missiles.

The idea is to supplement radar and satellites. The helium-filled dirigibles - about 25 times larger than those seen at sporting events - could also be used to monitor combat zones overseas.

They would patrol at an altitude of 19.5 kilometres, and be powered by the sun.

"It's another mix in the multilayered defence sensors," Christopher Taylor, a spokesman for the Pentagon's Missile Defence Agency, said today. The goal is to have a prototype ready to fly in 2006. The contract includes a $US50 million ($73.69 million) option to build one.

The agency will direct the design and construction of the prototype in Akron, Ohio, by Lockheed on behalf of the Department of Defence, the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and the Army.

Blimps can peer down into valleys missed by surface radar and, unlike satellites, their surveillance isn't limited by the earth's rotation. They can be aloft for months at a time and, unlike satellites, can land for equipment changes or maintenance.
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Depending on tests, the Pentagon would order an undetermined number of the blimps, Taylor said. The Department of Homeland Security, which includes border patrols, also will consider ordering blimps, he said.

Last year, NORAD proposed stationing 10 ships to cover America's borders. The Coast Guard and customs agents already use radar on low-altitude tethered balloons to scan for drug smugglers. The Navy discontinued its blimp program in 1962.

Akron's Lockheed Martin Airdock, where the blimp is to be developed about 48 kms south of Cleveland, was once the site of mass production of US Navy surveillance airships during World War II.

The prototype will be about 150 metres long, 48 metres in diameter and have a volume of 5.2 million cubic feet. A typical commercial blimp is about 60 metres long and 21 metres in diameter.

[CzarNicky]

I'm going to wait for a Hindenburg picture to be posted.

[Rebelbase]

There is a greater threat to this nation from illegals crossing from Mexcio than from Mexican missles.

[Army Air Corps]

These are Helium-filled dirigibles, not hydrogen-filled dirigibles.

[sailor4321]

Why couldn't they be used for border patrol?

[Antoninus]

[traumer]

can they be equipped with precision guns like the AC-130 ?

[F16Fighter]

The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. a $US40 million ($58.95 million) contract to develop a high-flying, remote-controlled blimp that would monitor US borders...

Without enforcing immigration laws, the Pentagon may as well toss paper-airplanes into the air to do this job.

[mikegi]

WTF? I thought Ted Kennedy and Rosanne already had comfortable jobs. Well, my hat's off to 'em and I appreciate their service to the country.

[JSteff]

Been there done that, will they just let these things die?

This is an obvious make work big bucks payoff for some one or some entity. So our tax dollars float away again.

[Benrand]

Good to see Rosie O'Donnell get employment.

[Antoninus]

[RichInOC]

Blimps to patrol US borders for enemy missiles

Michael Moore, your country needs you.

[Antoninus]

[Texas Eagle]

Blimps to patrol US borders for enemy missiles

uhhhhhh.....wait a minute.....something doesn't sound right here....the only borders we have are with Mexico and Canadia....are we sure this story wasn't put out by The Onion?

[ItsForTheChildren]

I believe this is the plan once referred to by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show as...

Blimps Up, Foes Down

[Smartass]

[GeronL]

Not commenting on the actual story/technology

but thats the dumbest headline I can imagine.

How about 'US to deploy trained frogs to study UFO's'.

[stuartcr]

They've been around for a while...used to be known as 'Fat Albert'