We have operated in hurricane force winds of 110 MPH!

U.S.A. and International Patented Components

Since 1989

 

 

Comparing the SkyDoc™ Aerostat with a Blimp Under the Same Conditions

The following charts compare a SkyDoc™ Aerostat that has been trimmed at -4 degrees of attack angle with no payload, and a blimp. Changes in the attack angle and payload will vary the height the SkyDoc™ Aerostat will settle at in wind conditions. Varying the attack angle from -4 to -8 degrees, changes in wind speed, and amount of payload can vary the angle of the tethered SkyDoc™ from 90 Degrees to 20 Degrees. Greatest stability with lift is generally found by trimming the aerostat to a -4 degrees attack angle.

 

Single-Ply SkyDoc™ Aerostat

      Aerostat is made of Urethane.

      Aerostat expands with temperature rise. Helium loss is 1 to 5 percent per day,
depending on temperature swings and aerostat pressure.

      Net lift is at zero wind speed. Maximum lift is at 90 mph wind speed.

      Net lift is at Sea Level. Subtract 15 per cent at 5000 feet.

Note: SkyDoc™ aerostat sizes are stated as Filled Diameter and Filled Height. SkyDoc™ filled aerostat sizes are stated with normal pressure. Welder’s grade helium is required. Tether weight must be added to payload weight to calculate total lift.

 

Need a Non Standard Size? - Contact Us For Quote.

Better performance at half the cost for the SkyDoc™ aerostats compared to our closest competitor the Helikite.

3-Ply SkyDoc™ Extreme WX Aerostat

      Helium loss is 1 to 5 percent per day, depending on temperature swings and aerostat pressure.

      Helium is vented during excess pressure.

      Major Helium loss is dependent on temperature rise.

      Aerostat can be digitally imprinted with any colors and logos.

      Net lift is at zero wind speed. Max lift is at 90 mph wind speed.

      Net lift is at Sea Level. Subtract 15 per cent at 5000 feet.

 

Note: SkyDoc™ aerostat sizes are stated as Filled Diameter and Filled Height. SkyDoc™ filled aerostat sizes are stated with normal pressure. Welder’s grade helium is required. Tether weight must be added to payload weight to calculate total lift.

 

3-Ply SkyDoc™ Aerostat Payload Carrying Capabilities
MODEL #	Filled Diameter Filled Height	Cu. Ft.	Net Lift  no wind	Maximum Lift at 90 mph
13	10.27' -  6.67'	365	12 lbs	800 lbs
14	11.06' -  7.19'	456	15 lbs	900 lbs
15	11.85' -  7.70'	560	19 lbs	1,000 lbs
16	12.64' -  8.21'	680	23 lbs	1,350 lbs
17	13.43' -  8.73'	816	27 lbs	1,725 lbs
18	14.22' -  9.24'	969	32 lbs	2,000 lbs
19	15.01' -  9.75'	1139	38 lbs	2,500 lbs
20	15.8' -  10.27'	1329	44 lbs	3,000 lbs
25	19.75' -  12.83'	2593	86 lbs	4,900 lbs
30	23.70' -  15.40'	4482	149 lbs	5,400 lbs
35	27.65' -  17.97'	7118	237 lbs	6,500 lbs

 

Additional SkyDoc™ Aerostat Information

       This Helium platform aerostat is designed to meet a criterion that has been requested by many operators of aerial specialized equipment. This aerostat has been developed through intense research of fabrics, materials and designs that are tuned to the needs of these users. The aerostat is designed with state of the art components that offer optimum performance and reliability.

       The single-ply aerostat is made from a single-ply material consisting of urethane.

       The 3-ply aerostat is made of a three (3) layered material with inner and outer coating for increated Helium retention.

       The tether apex is capable of supporting a variety of payloads attached with a three point configured platform. Special Mounting Patches for the belly of the aerostat are available.

       A large area can be painted with your logo or sign on the 3-ply aerostat. Unlike a blimp, the message is seen 340+ degrees from the ground.

       The aerostat is stabilized better than a blimp and is designed for ease of assembly and set up.

       Average loss per day is 1-5 percent. If it is punctured, it can be repaired. Temperature variations will expand and contract the helium. The single-ply aerostat will expand and contract with the pressure.

       The 3-ply aerostat has an pressure release valve that will open with increased temperature. Loss of helium is minimal and not as susceptible to temperature swings.

       The aerostat design allows for additional lift with increased wind speed.

Note: Altitude, ambient temperature, attack angle, payload, wind conditions, air density, and other factors determine the final lifting force available.

Aerostat Color Options

      Single-Ply SkyDoc™ Aerostats come in standard colors of white, red, blue, and yellow.

      Top of aerostat may not be a different color than the bottom of the aerostat.

      3-Ply Aerostats may be almost any color.

Note: Logo's are not recommended for Single Ply Aerostats.

Aerostat Tether Options

      500 pound test Polyester covered Spectra Tether is quoted per 500, 1000, and 1500 feet.

      1000 pound test Polyester covered Spectra Tether is quoted per 500, 1000, and 1500 feet.

      1500 pound test Polyester covered Spectra Tether is quoted per 500, 1000, and 1500 feet.

      3000 pound test Polyester covered Spectra Tether is quoted per 1000 feet.

      1500 pound test swivel supplied with 15 foot and smaller SkyDoc™ Aerostats.

      3000 pound test ball bearing swivel available for larger SkyDoc™ Aerostats.

      Tether line and retrieval system are extra. Repair kit, fill hose and instructions are included.

      All tether lines include eye splice thimble.

Note: Radio Controlled Emergency Deflation Valve and Burn Units are available. Single-Ply (Must be ordered at time of build) - EDD1 $1,800 (3/4 inch hole, adds two pounds to payload, up ot one mile range). 3-Ply - EDD6 $3,400 (six inch hole, adds four pounds to payload, up to two mile range. Up to ten mile range available, 12 inch hole available EDD12). EDD1 is a valve that opens, all other EDD's BURN a hole into the balloon. EDD = Emergency Deflation Device.

 

 

FAST - UNSINKABLE - EFFECTIVE - LONG LASTING

 

Patented Components Designed for Hurricane Force Winds

Rapid Deployment

Air Transportable

High reserve buoyancy

DEPLOYMENT
The SkyDoc™ 25 foot single ply aerostat requires up to nine 291 cu. ft. helium bottles, 3,000 pound capacity Windlass/Mooring Winch or capstan.

TETHER LINE
A SkyDoc™ 25 foot single ply aerostat requires a tether line that will withstand over 3,000 pound pull. This tether line must be capable of not stretching even under these high lifting situations. We provide the best tether line in the world for this unique aerostat. Standard tether, tether with conductors and optical fibers woven in the tether are available.

RECOVERY
Recovery is not normally required until the operation has been completed. Recovery is quick and easy. The compacted aerostat is then ready to re-pack into the container for storage until the next deployment.

TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE
SkyDoc™ is easily transported by truck, vessel or aircraft.

New Truck Bed Transport System

Launch, retrieve, patrol, and transport small SkyDoc™ Aerostats.

 

Aerostat launcher system, cargo HMMWV transportable, with ground lug and earth anchor capability for semi-fixed operation. Fully equipped launcher includes winch and optional helium bottles.

OTHER LAUNCHER OPTIONS

Click to see a larger image

SPECIAL NOTES

      The special design of the SkyDoc™ aerostat allows for increased lift with increased winds. Thereby the payload stays aloft in hurricane force winds.

      No special enclosure is required for the payload during heavy winds. Once it has been launched, the system will operate until the task is completed. Because of its special patented components design, the amount of helium required is kept to a minimum.

      Due to the bow of the tether line in high flying configurations, a maximum of 5,000 feet of tether line is recommended.

      Single-Ply Aerostat is not recommended in areas that may have flying ice particles.

 

 

  Click here for more information on SkyDoc™ Aerostat Winches

 

“Rapid response in the critical early stages of an operation is key to a successful response”

 

Charlie Steffen

SkyDoc™ Systems Director

 

Phone (503) 429 0648

Fax (888) 697 1734

Mobile (503) 396 8417

7 AM - 5 PM PST

 charlie@skydocballoon.com

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