High Altitude - ILC Dover

ILC Dover has been involved in the design and development of high altitude airships since the early 1980's. The advent and growth of the cellular phone market has renewed interest in the use of high altitude airships as a means of providing an economical alternative to satellites. ILC Dover was also involved in the NASA Ultra-Long Duration Balloon, (ULDB), Program. The goal of this program is to fly a large, pressurized balloon at altitudes approaching 100,000 ft. for a period of 100 days.

1980's

HAPP (High Altitude Powered Platform)
Customer: NASA
Program: ILC conducted a Phase I systems design effort.

HI-SPOT (High Altitude Surveillance Platform for Over-the-Horizon Targeting)
Customer: Lockheed/US Navy
Program: ILC conducted a Phase I envelope and system sizing program

1990's

SKYSTATION/Aerospatiale
Supported a six month Phase I feasibility effort with Aerospatiale to define the system for a stationary high altitude communications platform.

Areas of emphasis include materials development, production techniques, solar cell interface and assembly procedures.

NASA/Swales
ILC developed a high strength film/fabricate laminate which ILC utilizes to produce a balloon to support flight tests at Wallops Island, VA. Reached a flight altitude of 78,000 ft which equaled 105% it's "theoretical" maximum pressure height.

2000 - present

LOCKHEED MARTIN/US GOVERNMENT
Supported a US Government funded HAA program to define the system for a mobile platform capable of carrying various payloads. Fabricated a 500,000 cf+ envelope to support subscale flight tests.
Areas of Emphasis:

• Concept and Requirements Definition
• Seam Development/Definition
• Fabrication of subscale ground and flight units.

Lockheed Martin/US Government
Supporting development and fabrication of the envelope structure for the ISIS (Integrated Sensor is Structure) program.