Putin’s security detail uses an Israeli-made aerostat

Putin’s security detail uses an Israeli-made aerostat

אילוסטרציה

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The security detail in charge of protecting Russian president Vladimir Putin has acquired an Israeli made aerostat. Thus reveals the manufacturer, RT, managing director Rami Shmueli.

This he says is another proof of the growing awareness to the operational advantages of using aerostats.

The recent protective Edge operation in Gaza has emphasized the importance of aerostats as a very useful intelligence gathering tool. As the result of this operation the Israeli defense forces (IDF) are already evaluating the purchase of additional aerostats made by the Israeli leading manufacturer RT. Rami reveals that during the Gaza operation 13 aerostats were deployed along the border.

The company’s aerostats can be deployed in an altitude of 350 meters for 72 hours before they are pulled down to refill them with Helium.

Shmueli said that the company’s has developed a larger aerostat designed Skystar-300 which is capable of floating at an altitude of 450 meters and carry a heavier payload.

The RT Aerostats are used all over the world including by the security detail of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Shmueli revealed that the aerostat was purchased before the recent G8 summit and is has been in use since in situation that require persistent intelligence gathering.

Unmanned systems conference 2014 – Israel

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The company has recently opened a U.S subsidiary and is now offering its systems to Texas as part of this state’s effort to better seal its border with Mexico.

RT’s managing director said that the new Skystar -300 aerostat can be operated continuously, at wind velocity up to 40 knots, with a break of 20 minutes once up to 72 hours, to enable helium refill. The system is characterized with a very fast deployment and redeployment, and it is highly transportable onboard standard general purpose trucks.

The managing director of RT says that the Skystar 300 is an efficient and combat proven tactical system designed to provide its users with persistent, medium-long range, real-time tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, Target-Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Lifting the system’s sensor to an average altitude of up to 1,500 ft AGL, Skystar 300 is an optimal system for camp and force protection, counter IED, area capture and situational awareness.

Other versions of company’s aerostats are the Skystar 100, 180, 220 and 250. Each is tailored to specific operational requirements.