Argus One (Source: wsgi.com)
The odd-looking airship is called the Argus One, and it was developed by World Surveillance Group
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...worm?
The U.S. Department of Defense is testing a worm-shaped UAV that acts as a stealthy spy in the sky. The odd-looking airship is called the Argus One, and it was developed by World Surveillance Group (WSG).
The Argus One, which is an unmanned autonomous airship, is capable of hanging in the air at altitudes of 10,000 to 20,000 feet for days while utilizing its 33 pounds of surveillance to collect information and images that are sent to ground control stations. It uses a system of ballonets within each module for flight control, response, altitude, and handling, and the modules are controlled by microcontrollers that meet aerodynamic requirements. The worm-like design was made for stealth and stability.
"The Argus One has significant competitive advantages over the existing manned aircraft, heavier-than-air fixed wing UAVs, tethered aerostats and balloons, or low orbit satellite alternatives," said WSG. "The Argus One has a flexible, non-rigid envelope which allows for easy storage and transport to remote locations. There is no need for large hangars or airport infrastructure, as the Argus One can be assembled and tactically launched in hours from virtually anywhere, including remote, mountainous territory.
"The Argus One is designed to have a several day endurance capability and can stay on station with its module designed body, propulsion system and its sensor operated rigidity stabilization system, even in rough weather. The Argus One has a low radar footprint making it virtual stealth since the payload bay located on the forward module of the airship is the only radar reflecting material on the airship."
The Department of Defense is currently testing the Argus One at a Department of Energy Nevada Test Site.
Source: DefenseTech
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