LTAS Lighter-Than-Air Surveillance Systems
(pronounced El-Tass)

The LTAS series of aerial imaging and surveillance systems are unique in the crowded field of airborne surveillance. The LTAS systems are based on the Kingfisher tethered balloon which was co-developed by Aerial Products Corporation and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The use of a Lighter-than-air platform has many advantages, the two most important being;
1) Lowest operating cost versus alternative aerial methods.
2) The ability to stay on station for prolonged periods.

LTAS systems are based on proven designs used throughout the world; including mission-critical deployments by the Israeli Army.

LTAS Systems range from the low cost System 100 to the very sophisticated, cooled thermal, gyro-stabilized, all-weather LTAS 300.

If you have an aerial imaging and surveillance requirement, we have the solution.
Please use our LTAS hot-line for immediate assistance: 888-973-5550 or email: LTAS@aerialproducts.com.

LTAS 100 System Municipalities, Stadiums, County Sheriff's Deparments

LTAS 200 System Cities, State Agencies, Federal Agencies, Larger Counties

LTAS 300 System State and Federal Agencies, Defense Department and Related Agencies

LTAS Systems
LTAS 100 – Simple, effective, gets the job done at very low cost
LTAS 120 – Capable, feature rich, stabilized, at a reasonable cost
LTAS 140 – Great balance of features, ease of use and low training requirements
LTAS 280 – For demanding surveillance requirements, stabilized, un-cooled and cooled thermal capable
LTAS 300 – Designed for military and critical domestic facility protection on a high-availability basis

LTAS System Highlights
• Tethered balloon systems with an operating environment up to 50mph. Some models are all-weather capable.
• Ground stations have full pan/tilt and zoom control. Certain models support multiple simultaneous workstations.
• Networked cameras and sensors use secure IP communications over wired switched networks and wireless via 802.11g and 3G rev A.
• Remote diagnostics and support capability.
• Balloons are made of Polyurethane with some models constructed with an additional nylon shell.

Benefits of LTAS Systems
1. Lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of any alternative airborne surveillance method
     • Lower capital investment
     • Less personnel required to operate
     • Less cost to maintain and operate
          a. Very few mechanical parts
          b. Low fuel requirements (none if line-powered)
          c. Lower personnel expertise to operate (no pilot or flight engineer required)
     • Less cost to insure and bond
2. Longest duration and loiter time than any other type of platform
3. Far easier and less costly to train and operate than UAVs, fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft
4. Significantly less risk of public damage or civilian injury from a system failure
5. Most environmentally friendly method of aerial surveillance
6. Mobile in urban environments. Deflate or trailer to a new location
7. Regulated by the FAA under FAR 101 which is far less restrictive than Civilian UAV operations

Limitations of LTAS Systems
• Not able to “chase” subjects. These are tethered platforms.
• Susceptible to ground fire, the balloon and payload are not bullet-proof.
• Not operable in winds over 50mph.
• Not operable in temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit and some systems not below freezing.

Typical Uses of Balloon Surveillance
Systems 100 through 140
• Public event surveillance and observation
     ◊ Fireworks shows
     ◊ Air shows
     ◊ Fairs and Festivals
     ◊ Rallies
     ◊ Demonstrations
     ◊ Major sports events
• Disaster Related
     ◊ Evacuation coordination
     ◊ Search and Rescue
     ◊ Emergency management on-demand network (FireTide node)
• Traffic Management

Systems 280 through 300 - all the above, plus:
• Border Security
• Facility and Asset Protection
• Energy infrastructure
     ◊ Conventional power plants
     ◊ Nuclear power plants
     ◊ Oil refineries
     ◊ Tanks and storage
• Sea Ports
• Rail depots
• Embassy protection
• Force Protection
• COB and FOB
• Foreign-soil bases
• USA major installations
• Battlefield ISR