This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Quick Facts about the Aerostat System
Safety Measures. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has put in place strong safety procedures that are in line with regulations developed by the US Federal Aviation Authority for the operations of the aerostat system. In addition, the RSAF has been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to plan the safe operations of the system in Singapore’s congested airspace, and safety procedures such as issuing Notice-to-Airmen (NOTAM) to inform aviators of the aerostat’s presence. Lightning protection certified to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 5412A standards, operating procedures and emergency-handling procedures have also been put in place to ensure the safety of the aerostat system's operations. Preventive measures, such as proper training and regular maintenance, have also been established to minimise risk.
The radiation level emitted by the radar on board the aerostat is as safe as that of mobile phones, and has been certified in accordance with IEEE C95.1-2005 standards (i.e., that emissions are within safe limits to the population). This is the same standard applied to certify the safety of mobile phones, microwave ovens and MRI scanners.
The aerostat will be secured to the ground mooring station through winch lines and a tether built to withstand strong winds and lightning strikes. The tether is made of Kevlar, and is by far the strongest in its class.
Manufacturer: TCOM (US)
Length: 55m
Operating Height: 2000ft (600m)
Operating Duration: Capable of 24 hours daily
Sensor Capability: Detects air and maritime threats
Crew: Operated by 8 ground crew