Tactical Aerostats

This RFI is for a Tactical Aerostat asset for potential use in small combat outposts, Forward Operating Base (FOB), or retrograde operations. The intent is to provide force protection and maneuver elements with real time situational awareness and communications relay on the battlefield. The Tactical Aerostat asset should be designed to be expeditionary and rapidly deployable in austere harsh environments. A Tactical Aerostat system typically consists of four major subsystems: The Aerostat, Payloads, Mooring Platform, and Ground Control Station (GCS). Emphasis for these Tactical Aerostats will be placed on systems that offer modularity for tailored mission payloads and automation features that reduce the overall manpower required to launch, operate, and recover the system. Operability and sustainability should be taken into account, knowing that soldiers may be asked to operate and maintain the