The Kingfisher™ aerostat has stable flight dynamics in high winds and variable winds. The integral fabric wing design keeps the aerostat tracking into the relative wind. Unlike blimps and small blimp-shaped aerostats, the Kingfisher does not porpoise nose up and down or "hunt" left to right when winds shift or when wind velocity is more than 30mph.

The Kingfisher is very tolerant to changing conditions such as those that preceed weather fronts, dust storms, afternoon convective activity and transitions from varying types of surface cover (concrete, asphalt, foilage). All of these conditions create thermals; up movements of air and down drafts. From direct operational experience, our techs have operated below nearby mountain peaks in August weather. To our knowledge, the Kingfisher is the only aerostat smaller than 2,000 cubic feet of Helium volume to have operated from a launch site of 11,000 feet MSL (mean sea level) for more than 48 hours contiguously with a dual sensor camera gimbal.

The Kingfisher is a stable platform in winds up to 50mph/75kph* providing unprecedented options for your payload and surveillance requirements. As part of an LTAS, Lighter Than Air Systems, surveillance system, the Kingfisher is the only FAA approved, urban-flight qualified, lighter than air system available in North America.

                   Below left: internal bladders pressure testing                                             Below right: researcher's deploying a Kingfisher for hazardous duty

Kingfisher Design

There are three main design features that differentiate the Kingfisher from other aerostats:

• Spheroid shape
• Fabric wing
  
• Weight and balance line distribution

Kingfisher Models

There are three distinct shapes of the Kingfisher aerostat: (xx = diameter)

• High Capacity, only available as 2-ply (model designation of KxxN-HC)
• Standard Capacity, available as 1-ply and 2-ply (model designations of KxxU-SC and KxxN-SC)
  
• Civilian/researcher version used for internal trailering, only available as 1-ply (model designation of KxU).
  About sizes, KxU models are single digit only, 9 feet or below. 2-ply versions are double digit only, larger than 10 feet in diameter
  

1-Ply versions are manufactured using a single layer of Polyurethane.  Generally at 4 mil thickness.

2-Ply versions are manufactured with either 2.5 mil or 4 mil internal bladders and an outer layer of cargo-parachute
grade Nylon fabric. Double coated, UV treated and reinforced with aramid (Kevlar) fiber

High Capacity:

The high-capacity models have a larger envelope in height, but with the same diameter as SC models. The HC designation in the model number indicates 35% more Helium volume in the envelope with no additional tether line tension in high winds. This is unique to the Kingfisher brand aerostat.

Standard Capacity:

Generally used for ship based or mobile operations whereby the anchor platform may force the aerostat into an adverse yaw condition as a result of the difference between heading and wind direction. The SC and HC models have the same excellent high-wind flight characteristics, but the standard capacity version's tolerance for being dragged one direction with wind coming from another direction is preferred for mobile drag-line operations.

Aerial Photo:

While using the same basic materials as the military models, the model "U" versions are shaped more like a slightly squished ball than the traditional Kingfisher shape. These models have approximately 50% more Helium volume for the same diameter as a standard capacity version. Flight dynamics are diminshed, to 30mph or less relative wind. The shape is more conducive to transport while inflated in an enclosed trailer which is the main benefit to the model.

 The chart below is a subset of available models.

Kingfisher Options

Please find the Aerial Products' equipment page for Kingfisher related equipment, including;

• Aerostat launchers
• Aerostat winches
• FAA-approved deflation devices, GPS, Barometric pressure, Radio controlled

Kingfisher Aerostat Performance

Standard Capacity and High Capacity SC models are demonstrated to operate in winds up to 50 mph/80kph, at high altitudes and from mobile platforms.  Helium loss rate is approximately 1% to 3% of volume per 24 hours. Helium effusion is different than atmospheric or barometric pressure differences which can cause the envelope to expand and contract.

About Net Lift

All NL calculations are based on 100% inflation, at sea level, at 72 degrees ambient and with industrial-grade Helium (99% purity). Generally these values are for comparitive analysis for sizing and Helium volume. It is important to contact us to discuss your requirements. An engineer can run the calculations and provide you with the appropriate model Kingfisher.