The Israeli-based aerostat company RT LTA Systems Ltd. introduces a new member of the SkyStar aerostat family: SkyStar 120. The new micro-tactical aerostat system was recently demonstrated to the Israeli Defence Forces, and is ready for operational use.

SkyStar 120, based on the Skystar 110 platform, is designed to provide commanders in the field with real-time reconnaissance capability.

RT is a designer, developer and manufacturer of aerostats — helium-filled balloons — for use in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications. These balloons are released from a base, generally a trailer, and can be loaded with cameras or communication systems to provide military forces with the backing they need. Like a drone, the aerostat is controlled from the ground, by operators.

Unlike balloons that are generally mounted on a trailer that is static, the new, smaller SkyStar 120 micro-tactical aerostat system is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), allowing forces using it to keep moving and manoeuvring.

Compact and robust, the SkyStar 120 is operational under extreme weather conditions and offers surveillance range of up to 1,500 feet.