Drone Aviation, a developer of specialized, tethered aerial monitoring and communications platforms serving national defense and homeland security customers, and a 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Winner, is pleased to announce the company’s Winch Aerostat Small Platform (WASP), has been nominated to compete in the 2019 ‘ASTORS Awards Program.
The Winch Aerostat Small Platform, or WASP, is a mobile, tactical-sized aerostat capable of carrying a variety of payloads in support of military operations. WASP extends stand-off range for detection and communication.
The self-contained launcher/trailer allows lightly-trained crews of 2-3 soldiers to operate from austere locations.
(See Drone Aviations Winch Aerostat Small Platform, or WASP, in action. Courtesy of Drone Aviation and YouTube.)
WASP Capabilities & Operational Features Include:
- Mobile, rapidly reconfigurable aerostat
- HMMWV OR truck deployed
- Setup to operating in 30 minutes
- Tactical, mobile, soldier operated, 2-3 crew
- Days-duration flight time (72+ hours continuous)
- 10X the height of existing tower capability
- Up to 1500 feet operating altitude AGL
- Versatile platform for variety of payloads to include communications, ISR and SIGINT: : cameras/ISR, communications
- 8 km human detection, 40 mile communication range
- Operationally flexible – deploy and launch from fixed or remote site
- Low total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Self-contained launcher – many host options: Modular launcher can be dropped on ground, rooftop, or military depot trailer (M1101/02)
- Launcher can be tendered to commercial freight (not roll-on, roll-off cargo via Dover AFB MAC): Ship via commercial carrier (LD7 cargo pallet)
The WASP has participated in a series of the Army’s Network Integration Experiment (NIE) and has been recognized as a solution that can support the warfighter through multiple repeat orders from DoD customers and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Company’s WASP aerostat technology has been acknowledged by tier-one US Gov/Military customers as a premier, cost effective, persistent aerial monitoring platform for Communications and ISR – highlighted by recent multi-million dollar contracts with the DHS/Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Army.
Introducing the WASP Lite
The first-of-its-kind, the WASP Lite systems successfully completed extensive customer operational flight safety and performance testing in Jacksonville and were then shipped to the U.S. Army for transportation to currently deployed ground forces.
The WASP Lite system is an ultra-tactical persistent aerial asset designed to be easily portable in a series of ruggedized cases and is quickly deployable to fill vital capability gaps on the battlefield.
(See WASP Lite, a new generation of easily transportable and operationally mobile aerostats. Courtesy of Drone Aviation and YouTube. Posted on Jul 17, 2019.)
The WASP Lite utilizes the proven capabilities of the Company’s larger WASP tactical aerostat system incorporated into a highly mobile, minimized footprint design.
WASP Lite is a compact, non-trailer based, persistent aerostat system that can be setup and deployed virtually anywhere – on the ground, on a building rooftop or on the back of a vehicle – and operated while stationary or while moving up to 40 mph.
It can be deployed up to 1,000 ft. and supports a wide range of in-field swappable payloads including multiple simultaneous communications waveforms, ISR and signal intelligence (SIGINT) enabling operators to choose the best configuration to match their mission.
In contrast to expensive large aerostat systems, WASP Lite is a new generation of easily transportable and operationally mobile aerostats, the results of significant collaborative product development, testing and operational evaluations conducted with the U.S. Army.
WASP Lite is multi-mission capable featuring a plug and play payload configuration enabling troops in the field to quickly add ISR and communications equipment to match their mission and can be carried by two soldiers, dropped from a helicopter or transported in the back of a small pickup truck.
“Acceptance testing and delivery of our first production run of WASP Lite systems to the Army is an exciting milestone and we are especially proud that these new systems will be providing critically-needed battlefield communications capabilities for the brave men and women deployed on the ground overseas,” explained Jay Nussbaum, Chairman and CEO of Drone Aviation.
The May 2019 award was the first received by the Drone Aviation for the WASP Lite and included multiple units, sustainment and soldier training.
“I am pleased that we were able to leverage our recent investments in manufacturing capacity and inventory to deliver these products in record time.”
WASP Lite Operational Features Include:
- Ability to operate from pickup truck, boat, UTV, and similar platforms
- 36+ hours continuous flight
- Fiber optic tether compatible
- Single operator (weather permitting)
- 15 minute setup
- Silent operation
- Variable speed control of winch with remote operation available
- Highly mobile: move while deployed or moored, up to 40mph
- Wide range of payloads: ISR, communications, SIGINT
- Operates from batteries as primary power, re-charge batteries with small generator
- Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning WASP Tactical Aerostat, is currently being utilized by the DoD as a mobile, tactical aerial solution that can support multi-mission profiles involving ground and aerial-based assets through communication retransmission.
WASP Lite uses the proven field-ability of our larger WASP Aerostat System and offers a smaller footprint for expeditionary missions. WASP Lite can fit in the back of a pickup truck, or on a boat or UTV.
WASP Lite is highly mobile. It can be relocated while deployed or moored at speeds up to 40 mph.
Drone Aviation Returns to Compete in 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
Drone Aviation
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Best Persistent Aerial Monitoring Solution
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WASP Tactical Aerostat
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.
The 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program drew an overwhelming response from industry leaders with a record high number of corporate and government nominations received, as well as record breaking ‘ASTORS’ Presentation Luncheon Attendees, with top firms trying to register for the exclusive high – end luncheon and networking opportunity – right up to the event kickoff on Wednesday afternoon, at the ISC East registration!
Over 130 distinguished guests representing National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
- Argonne National Laboratory
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The Department of Justice
- The Security Exchange Commission Office of Personnel Management
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Viasat, Hanwha Techwin, Lenel, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Verint, Canon U.S.A., BriefCam, Pivot3, Milestone Systems, Allied Universal, Ameristar Perimeter Security and More!
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
Proud Sponsors of the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program include ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Desktop Alert.
Time is Running Out to Receive the Recognition Your Organization Deserves!
Enter the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Today at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/
Eligible “Government Excellence Award” Nominations are Complimentary, in Appreciation for Service.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
2018 Champions Edition
See the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Champions Edition – ‘Best Products of 2018 ‘ Year in Review’ for in-depth coverage of the outstanding products and services of firms receiving American Security Today’s 2018‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards.’
And be sure to Register Early for the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East 2019 to ensure your place at this limited- space event!
Why the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?
American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’
Why American Security Today?
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
The old traditional security marketplace has been covered by a host of security publications that have changed little over many years.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that provides our readers with solutions to their challenges.
Our Editorial staff provides a full plate of topics for our AST monthly digital editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts.
The editorial calendar and AST’s high drawing website features 23 different Technology and Marketing Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities and Emergency Response among others.
These sectors are part of the new integration, where these major applications communicate with one another in a variety of solutions to protect our cities and critical infrastructure.
AST has Expanded readership into vital Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other Potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – enticing targets for extremist or lone wolf attacks due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
Drone Aviation Holding Corp. develops and manufactures cost-effective, compact and rapidly deployable aerial platforms including lighter-than-air aerostats and drones designed to provide government and commercial customers with enhanced surveillance and communication capabilities.
Utilizing a patented tether system, Drone Aviation’s products are designed to provide prolonged operational duration capabilities combined with improved reliability, uniquely fulfilling critical requirements in military, law enforcement, commercial, and industrial applications.
Learn More…
Drone Aviation Delivers $1.1M in WASP Lite to US Army (Multi-Video)
| Link to Nominated Organizations Web Page:: | https://www.droneaviationcorp.com/ |
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| Link to More Information for Consideration of Product, System or Solution (Brief Description):: |
