Persistent Surveillance

Credit: Tethered Aerostat Radar System Optimization [Image 3 of 7], by Debora Henley, identified by DVIDS
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

Persistent Surveillance & Communications Solutions

Take Surveillance to New Heights

QinetiQ’s Aerostat systems are high-endurance, tethered surveillance platforms designed to provide persistent monitoring and communications capabilities. With modular architecture and customisable payload options, our Aerostats offer continuous coverage over wide areas, making them ideal for applications such as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), border security, and critical infrastructure protection. 

Key Features of QinetiQ Aerostat Platforms 

  • Persistent Operations: Up to 30 days of continuous deployment, enabling round-the-clock surveillance without requiring constant maintenance or refueling. 
  • Customizable Payloads: Supports a variety of sensor types, including EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) cameras, radar, and communications relays, allowing tailored solutions for different mission requirements. 
  • Cost-Effective: Reduced operational costs compared to UAVs and manned aircraft, with minimal fuel and maintenance requirements. 
  • Rapid Deployment: Easily deployed in remote or challenging environments, providing immediate situational awareness and real-time data collection. 
  • High Altitude, Broad Coverage: Aerostats can reach altitudes up to 15,000 feet, offering wide-area surveillance across large, geographically diverse regions.
QinetiQ's Aerostat Surveillance Platform

Credit: CBP Aerostat B-Roll, by Daniel Barrios, identified by DVIDS
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

Versatility for Every Mission

QinetiQ Aerostats solutions have proven their value across a variety of mission-critical applications. Their ability to operate over extended periods makes them indispensable for defense, security, and communications needs. 

Military and Defense 

  • Provide ISR for battlefield awareness and troop protection 
  • Support land, air, maritime border and coastal surveillance operations 
  • Enable communications relay in remote environments, ensuring continuous connectivity

Civilian and Homeland Security 

  • Monitor critical infrastructure, including power plants and oil refineries
  • Assist with disaster recovery and emergency response operations 
  • Strengthen border security by offering real-time surveillance along national borders 
Tethered Aerostat Radar System Optimization

Credit: Tethered Aerostat Radar System Optimization [Image 5 of 7], by Debora Henley, identified by DVIDS
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

QinetiQ Services 

Full-Service Solutions to Maximize Your Mission 

QinetiQ doesn’t just provide Aerostat platforms; we offer comprehensive support services that ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. From system design to deployment, we partner with our clients every step of the way. 

  • Mission Planning & Support: We work closely with you to design mission-specific aerostat solutions that meet your operational needs. 
  • Sustainment & Maintenance: Our team provides full sustainment services, ensuring your aerostat remains operational throughout its lifecycle. 
  • Training & Field Support: QinetiQ offers training and on-site support to maximize operational efficiency and ensure your team is fully equipped to manage aerostat systems. 
  • Lifecycle Management: From deployment to end-of-life, QinetiQ offers full lifecycle management to ensure your investment remains valuable over the long term. 

Turnkey Operations: Our Aerostat operations utilize QinetiQ’s Secure, Persistent & Aware Data Ecosystem (SPADE), to maximize mission success. SPADE provides comprehensive insights and analytics to support decision-making by simulating and evaluating different operational scenarios. Multiple data sets are integrated to proactively optimize mission planning. This includes: 

  • Decision-Support Engine: SPADE simulates complex mission environments, enabling decision-makers to assess different scenarios and optimize resource allocation of personnel, equipment and infrastructure – ensuring organizations can meet their objectives effectively. 
  • Scenario Planning: It provides a detailed simulation environment to test various scenarios to allow defense and security organizations to evaluate the potential outcomes of different strategies before deployment. 
  • Operational Risk Assessment: SPADE assists in assessing risks with various strategic or tactical decisions, providing decision-makers with necessary information to enhance mission success. 
  • Integration with Existing Systems: SPADE integrates with existing defense and security systems making it a flexible tool that enhances current capabilities.  

Why Choose QinetiQ Aerostat Solutions? 

Innovative, Reliable, and Mission-Ready 

QinetiQ Aerostats Solutions combine cutting-edge technology with industry-leading support to provide solutions you can rely on. QinetiQ’s expertise in aerostat technology and operations provides consistent surveillance and intelligence capabilities for a multitude of defense and national security missions. Our advanced systems offer persistent multi-domain awareness, including detection of air, ground, maritime threats and Class I/II/III UAVs, with payloads reaching altitudes of 15,000 feet. 

With our lightweight radar capability supporting a variety of surveillance payloads flying at altitudes of 15,000 feet, QinetiQ Aerostat solutions provide dependable performance and outstanding helium retention, minimizing downtime and reducing operational costs. Our integrated management system SPADE provides real-time operational insights, combining weather intelligence logistics and security into one secure platform.

QinetiQ US is a proud member of Team ACES, a consortium of partners providing advanced Aerostat solutions for global defense.  

Compared to competitors, our systems are more flexible, cost-effective, and easier to deploy in challenging conditions. Our commitment to full-service, mission-tailored solutions sets us apart as the ideal partner for defense, homeland security, and commercial applications. 

Learn more about our Aerostat solutions in action.

Brochures

Aerostats FAQ

  • What is the endurance of QinetiQ Aerostats?
    QinetiQ Aerostat platforms provide continuous surveillance for up to 30 days, making them ideal for long-term ISR missions. 
  • Can the payloads on QinetiQ Aerostats be customized? 
    Yes, QinetiQ Aerostats are designed with modular payloads that can integrate EO/IR cameras, radar, and communications relays to meet specific mission requirements. 
  • How do Aerostats differ from drones and other aerial systems?
    Aerostats operate differently from drones or manned aircraft. They use helium to stay aloft and are tethered to a ground station. This tether provides power and secure data transmission, enabling Aerostats to maintain a persistent presence at high altitudes. Unlike drones, Aerostats can remain stationary for extended periods, making them ideal for continuous monitoring, surveillance, and communications.