BAE Systems GA22
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
| {{Infobox Aircraft Begin
| name = GA22 }}{{Infobox Aircraft Type | type = UAV | national origin= United Kingdom | manufacturer= BAE Systems }} |
The BAE Systems GA22 is an unmanned airship demonstrator programme in response to a need for low cost, long endurance UAV platform. Lindstrand Technologies is a major contributor to the programme.{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_108612133939.html|title=BAE Systems floats autonomous system at Farnborough International|work=www.baesystems.com|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2008-07-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080730005230/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_108612133939.html| archivedate= 30 July 2008 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/baes-ga22-unmanned-blimp-makes-its-debut/|title=BAE's GA22 unmanned blimp makes its debut|work=www.engadget.com|date=2008-07-15|accessdate=2008-07-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080801130248/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/baes-ga22-unmanned-blimp-makes-its-debut/| archivedate= 1 August 2008 | url-status= live}}
Development
The original design has been updated allowing it to carry payloads such as high-tech surveillance equipment up to 150kg (330.69lbs) in weight and to heights of more than 6,500ft (1981.2m).{{Cite web |date=2008-07-14 |title=Autonomous airships |url=https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/autonomous-airships/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=The Engineer |language=en}} The GA22 is also being made from newer and lighter materials in an aim to improve its performance. As of 2008 the airship is radio controlled, but BAE plan to make it fully autonomous.
BAE believe that the redevelopment of the airship will allow it to be deployed into a diverse range of roles such as monitoring forest fires or acting as communications relay station.
Specifications
- Length: 24m (78.74ft)
- Width: 7.8m (25.59ft)
- Height: 9m (29.53ft)
- Max takeoff weight: 720kg (1587.33lbs)
- Cruising flight speed: 50km/h (31.07mph)
- Max flight speed: 60km/h (37.28mph)
See also
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References
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{{BAE aircraft}}
Category:British Aerospace aircraft
Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of the United Kingdom
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