Your balloon can really fly in very high winds?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat was invented by Tony Mears in the late 1980's. He spent years developing it, refining the materials required, and performing tests. Tony had a Wind Tunnel Test performed to determine how high of a wind his SkyDoc® Aerostat could withstand. When it was patented, Tony made a very wise decision, NOT ALL of his design was included in the patent. He knew that others would try to copy his SkyDoc® Aerostat and by not including all details in the patent, those who tried to copy the balloon, would fail in high winds.

When Floatograph Technologies, LLC purchased the patent, (Parent Company of Skydoc Systems, INC) we also conducted our own tests. We attached a SkyDoc® Aerostat to a large flat bed truck and waited for the perfect day. A storm came into our area, 40 to 50 MPH winds associated with it. The truck was driven down a very long road with no obstructions overhead for miles. At a speed of over 40 MPH head winds on the front, and a truck ground speed of 70 MPH, the aerostat started lifting the rear of the truck off the ground. This is why we can make the claim, of Cat 2 Hurricane proof aerostat.

So what is the limit of the speed of wind the aerostat can handle?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat limits are defined by the strength of the tether and connection points on the aerostat. We custom design each order with the proper tether strength, for the wind speeds expected to be experienced.

What happens if the tether should break?

The balloon will fly away. A client lost a balloon at Area 51 in Nevada, and the aerostat finally came down in the hills of West Virginia. Luckily there was not a confidential payload on it at the time.

We have an Option of providing a EDD (Emergency Deflation Device) for your SkyDoc® Aerostat. This is very useful in areas, where there is conflict and our clients do not want the enemy to capture the payload.

What happens if someone should shoot the aerostat, will it explode?

No it will not explode. We have performed tests with trying to shoot down the aerostat, using rifles and shotguns. Actual field actions by adversaries have also been attempted. The aerostat will start losing Helium, causing less lift. This will be apparent when the tether line starts to go slack. Also, the aerostat will start to deform and lose it extra lifting strength. The balloon will start coming down slowly, and operators can start the winch to retrieve it before it touches the ground.

Do you use hot air in the Aerostat?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat is not designed as a hot air balloon. The SkyDoc® aerostat recommends 97-99% pure helium to maximize payload lift.

Is there any danger of fire with helium?

Helium is an inert gas with no danger of combustion or explosion.

Where can we purchase helium?

Industrial grade helium should be purchased from your local supplier of welding gases. Type "T" cylinders (291cu') filled with 97% to 99% pure helium is recommended.

Is training required to learn how to fly a balloon?

It is highly recommended that you contract with us for one to two days of hands-on training.

How many people does it take to launch and retrieve a balloon?

The SkyDoc® launch/recover systems are designed for 3-5 experienced personnel depending on the size of the aerostat.

How do you attach the balloon to the ground when not flying?

There are aerostat handling lines which attach to cleats on the AXE platform.

Can you send power up to the balloon?

SkyDoc® Aerostat tethers range in size from 500' (152m) up to 3,500' (1067m). Tethers can also supply the power and controls to operate the payload. Our standard is 2x20ga stranded copper conductor and/or single or multi-mode fiber optic strands.

How much maintenance is involved with the balloon?

To properly maintain a SkyDoc® Aerostat it should be completely dry before storage. All handling lines/control lines/sail material should be inspected for any moisture which could cause mildew. Mildew will seriously degrade the performance and longevity of your aerostat.

How much payload will the balloon lift?

With the proper size SkyDoc® Aerostat, lifting payloads in excess of 270lbs (122kg) is possible.

Do we have to purchase a SkyDoc® Service Trailer with an Aerostat?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat, tether, platform, AXE launch/recovery platform have all been designed to integrate and function as a total system. All components of the SkyDoc® Aerostat System can be purchased separately as required.

How stable is the aerostat?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat, is the most stable of all tethered aerostats. It gently swings into the direction of the wind, thereby allowing a smaller degree of stablization required.

How high can the aerostat fly?

The SkyDoc® Aerostat, has a limitation of around 3,400 feet above the ground. The aerostat has flown in elevations of over 10,000 feet.

Are there FAA regulations that must be complied with?

In the USA, Yes! This is very important, especially around airport traffic areas. Go to The FAA Website http://www.faa.gov to check out the latest regs. For International clients, check with your local authorities.

Can your systems be shipped to other countries outside of the USA?

Yes, absolutely. We regularly ship to other countries. BUT, please see our Terms for countries we will not ship to.

How long have you been in business? "+ 30 YEARS!"

We built our first aerostat system in 1987 and have been in business since 1988.