Posted on 11/21/2009 3:43:38 AM PST by Clive
EDMONTON —The newly formed “Balloon Platoon” at the Edmonton Garrison comprises a group of keen young soldiers learning the capabilities of Canada’s new persistent surveillance system (PSS). As members of Task Force 3-09, they will be the first soldiers to use this counter improvised explosive devise (C-IED) system in-theatre.
“It turns out a balloon is a very stable platform,” says Captain Robert Dona, the officer who, on behalf of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), is responsible for ensuring the system works. “The balloon acts as a visual deterrent, as well. If you can see it, it can see you.”
The PSS is a helium-filled balloon from which a state-of-the-art imaging system is suspended. This simple mix of old and new technology has the potential to severely limit the ability of insurgents to wage war in Afghanistan. The system is tethered to an earth station with a thin, Kevlar control cable.
This robust, proven system can remain on-station 24/7, being brought down only periodically for routine maintenance or to switch locations. It is operated by four soldiers and requires very little maintenance from a small group of technicians, making it an inexpensive, effective intelligence-gathering machine for the Army.
The payload is a high-resolution camera, capable of night and day operation over a large area of surveillance. Three PSSs cover the entire Gaza strip.
The data collected is sent to the proper authorities, as with any other intelligence-gathering method, be it by unmanned aerial vehicle or a foot patrol of soldiers. An integration project is planned that will enable the PSS to send real-time feed to commanders.
Canada has purchased five PSSs.Two will remain at the Edmonton Garrison for training purposes; three will be deployed by the Army, as required.
The system was purchased for use in Afghanistan but, Capt Dona points out, it could have domestic uses as well, such as during the upcomingWinter Olympics.
This C-IED system is, even now, keeping a watchful eye, day and night, over critical areas in Afghanistan, making a dangerous place a little bit safer.
The balloon is one component of the persistent surveillance system.
A tethered balloon with a suspended camera
floats over the Edmonton garrison as part of
ongoing Army training in observing, deterring
and defeating insurgents who plant IEDs
in Afghanistan.
With the PSS back on the ground, the Balloon Platoon wrangles cable.
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MI Ping
1910 reenactment of 1860's technology.
Barrage balloon!
The unmanned balloon surveillance system is older than thought. During the era of Eisenhower administration, US flew unmanned balloons above USSR with cameras. Decades later, Israel built their own surveillance system for counter insurgency. Today, the role of unmanned balloons expands with use for communication relay, and is common in Iraq. Aerostats are also common as well, called the JLENS.
“Three PSSs cover the entire Gaza strip.”
But they’re deploying in Afghanistan? Over-the horizon capability, or just bad writing?
OK. I hope this isn’t a super dumb question, but why aren’t these baloons very easy to shoot down and therefore, easily defeated?
I hope someone answers you. This was my question, too. Perhaps it has something to do with the low-tech nature of the insurgent’s capabilities.
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