<p>The aerostat radar was launched from a military compound and will remain at a height of about one kilometre for the next two or three days. All its systems are working satisfactorily, Sudhir Gupta, the project director, told IANS.<br /><br />The helium-filled aerostat has night vision cameras and sound recorders, weighs around 300 kg, and can be reused.<br /><br />Gupta said the aerostat can survey areas upto 20 km away and with avanced cameras, its range can go beyond 100 kms.<br /><br />At the initiative of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agra based Aerial Delivery Research Development Establishment designed and fabricated the high-tech platform. <br /><br />The aerostat will be used for communication and surveillance. The platform integrates high-end technology, aerodynamics, balloon techniques, hydraulics and high-pressure cylinder technology, according to the scientists involved in the project.<br /><br />The Indian army and air force hitherto rely on Israeli aerostats that are deployed along the country's western borders but the Indian version would be a cheaper option. They supplement the efforts of the air force's airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) that fly at a much greater height.</p>
<p>The aerostat radar was launched from a military compound and will remain at a height of about one kilometre for the next two or three days. All its systems are working satisfactorily, Sudhir Gupta, the project director, told IANS.<br /><br />The helium-filled aerostat has night vision cameras and sound recorders, weighs around 300 kg, and can be reused.<br /><br />Gupta said the aerostat can survey areas upto 20 km away and with avanced cameras, its range can go beyond 100 kms.<br /><br />At the initiative of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agra based Aerial Delivery Research Development Establishment designed and fabricated the high-tech platform. <br /><br />The aerostat will be used for communication and surveillance. The platform integrates high-end technology, aerodynamics, balloon techniques, hydraulics and high-pressure cylinder technology, according to the scientists involved in the project.<br /><br />The Indian army and air force hitherto rely on Israeli aerostats that are deployed along the country's western borders but the Indian version would be a cheaper option. They supplement the efforts of the air force's airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) that fly at a much greater height.</p>