I came on to the computer a few minutes ago to write another post, totally un-related to the world of LTA (Lighter Than Air) and UAV (Unmanned (or Uninhabited) Air Vehicles) … but as usual, Google’s search of the news brought up something than I was so fascinated with I couldn’t help but share.

When these guys say “Up Ship”, they mean UP SHIP!  The MOLTARS (Mortar-Launched Lighter-Than-Air Recoverable Sensor) System is a research project funded by DARPA … the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US government.  These guys don’t have too much of a track record, although they have developed one or two things that have lasted … like the Internet we are communicating on today … but this one looks like even more fun than surfing the ‘Net.  You really should go to the developer’s web site and see the animations and the inflation test photos.  Fascinating re-purposing of existing technology with a lot of new thinking thrown in.  And don’t let the military aspect blind you to how useful this would be to firemen, police and other first responders.  FEMA could even use it to find restaurants for their senior leadership where parking is available and the lines are short … Recommended.