UAV Corp's Skyborne Technology (STI) has tested the pre-flight systems of its U.S. Air Force AFWERX programme prototype, the DATT MA 600 (Detachable Airship from a Tether Technology) Hybrid Electric Extended Range Airship with Modular Payload (e2RAMP) under the first phase of the AFWERX contract. Testing was completed in partnership with Research in Flight (RIF) as the prime contractor, Auburn University and the Gulf Coast State College.

Under a Phase II agreement the partnership will manufacture and test the DATT as a cylindrical shape aerial platform with new aerodynamic properties for extended flight. The five motor electric propulsion system will be powered by advanced fuel cells. The lifting gas for the platform will involve the integration of a mixture of both helium and hydrogen gases to reduce the cost of operations.

Billy Robinson Chairman of UAV Corp says: “This successful pre-test in preparation for upcoming flight tests for the U.S. Air Force proves our next generation airship design. The semi-rigid airship design with advanced propulsion and aerodynamic lifting capabilities is unique to airships currently operating. Our design allows a coupling of the airship with onboard eVTOL drones, this gives the users eyes in the sky for long term surveillance and transmitting capabilities with immediate close inspection in real-time.

“Previously, operating airships did not have these combined integrated features and our new DATT MA600 will be able to perform a vast array of missions. Our partnership with Auburn University, Research in Flight along with Gulf Coast State College and Gulf County is why the prototype and our future fully operation DATT MA 600 is quickly moving to a future launch date."

"We are quite pleased with the successful testing of all pre-flights systems of the prototype airship as we prepare to scale up to the 250-foot DATT MA 600 airship. We are increasing buoyancy and adding additional optics to the prototype to capture the advanced gimbled two axis propulsion system with state-of-the-art proprietary software,” adds Michael Lawson CEO of STI.