Israeli Aerostat Securing Brazil World Cup

Israeli Aerostat Securing Brazil World Cup

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Israeli technologies help secure the world cup in Brazil. One is an aerostat that hovers over the Fan area of Copacabana, the SkyStar-180 developed by RT.

Photo: RT
Photo: RT

The Fan Fest area is spread over 0.2 square miles (0.5 sq. kilometers), accommodating tens of thousands of fans. The Aerostat system is securing The Fan Fest area throughout all of the world cup games, until the finals on July 13th.

The SkyStar 180 is a small sized, mobile aerostat designed for tactical mid-range surveillance and public safety, police and military applications. Based on a towable trailer, the system has a stabilized day/night electro-optical payload suspended from a helium filled aerostat, tethered to a ground system.

Unmanned Systems Event 2014 – Israel

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It operates continuously at wind velocity of up to 40 knots and can lift a payload of up to 20kg, providing surveillance coverage from an altitude of up to 1,000 ft. for up to 72 hours, after which it is brought down for a 30-minute helium refill. Only 2 people are required to fully maintain the system.

The Skystar 180 aerostat is used for intelligence purposes in many countries, also being used continuously by the IDF on the border with the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, the system is used to secure civil events in Israel – recent examples are the visit of Pope Francis and concerts held by Justin Timberlake and the Rolling Stones.