The report describes POBAL, a test flight to demonstrate the feasibility of accomplishing station-keeping by powering a 711,000-cu. ft. free balloon against the wind in the minimum wind field near 60,000-ft altitude. The propulsion system, fabricated from off the shelf components, incorporated a 35-ft diameter helicopter rotor and an 8-hp electric motor powered by Ag-Zn batteries. Line of thrust was controlled by a 9-ft high rudder, steerable either by radio command or by autopilot. POBAL was flown from Holloman AFB, New Mexico in September 1972. System components, flight results, recommendations and feasibility studies for a long duration POBAL system are discussed. (Author)


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    Title :

    LDF Powered Balloon Program


    Contributors:
    A. O. Koran (author) / R. C. Leclaire (author) / C. B. Rice (author)

    Publication date :

    1973


    Size :

    47 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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