Source: Skunk Works
Lockheed Martin will build a demonstrator airship with a massive radar system called the Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS) under a $400 million contract awarded today by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
While I write the rest of the news story, please peruse the ISIS program overview that DARPA provided to contractors last month.
Hint: ISIS basically would be a combination E-3 AWACS/E-8C Joint STARS that can remain at 65,000ft for several years. So, not bad technology. If it works.
Isis
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on April 28, 2009 2:21 PM | Reply
Do you mean top write "Lockheed to build the mother of all airborne targets"?
on April 28, 2009 2:23 PM | Reply
Good one!
on April 29, 2009 6:21 PM | Reply
The comments here...
http://boingboing.net/2009/03/13/pentagon-plans-to-bu.html#comment-439478
... are well worth reading. They go over why this thing would not be as easy to shoot down as you might think. One reason is small independent gas cells; each hit would only "pop" a small part of the aircraft, not the whole thing. AND, something flying that high can do its sensing from over friendly territory, so trying to shoot it down basically means invading someone else's airspace and firing at their aircraft, and doing so tends to come with serious consequences.
on May 7, 2009 1:07 AM | Reply
This "thing" will be easy do shoot down by more advanced military powers like China. For instance ballistic missiles salvo could reach ISIS in several minutes and this vehicle cannot fly fast or maneuver swiftly enough to avoid hit. Detection would not be hard using anti-radiation and IIR guidance. I suppose direct hit will not be necessary because of EMP warheads introduction.
Simply LM wants to cadge some money from Pentagon...
on June 15, 2009 12:27 AM | Reply
I Have definately "FOUND MYSELF" IN (OUR) SKUNKWORKS DARPA ISIS.Thankyou To (ALLinALL) and ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER!!!
Love Love (ME) Do ... You (KNOW)... "I LOVE YOU" "I'll Always
Be TRUE... SEW P L E A S E , LOVE ME DO OH H , LOve me Do!!!
Shari.