High-Altitude Return Vehicle Completes Phase II Tests

  • Published
  • By Eva Blaylock
  • Space Vehicles Directorate
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The AFRL-sponsored Phillips Technology Institute (PTI) successfully completed Phase II of a three-phase test plan for the High-Altitude Return Vehicle (HARV). Phase II employed a balloon-launched, tactical operations payload in a small, recoverable unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Objectives included validation of autonomous navigation from stratospheric altitudes of 65,000 ft to a programmed landing point; simultaneous control of two UAVs; continuous communications handoff capability; and communications repeater, video payload, and other system operations at altitude. Activities performed during Phase I and Phase II involved a pair of UAVs designed and programmed across 14 flights. The experiment is a collaboration between AFRL, PTI, Air Force Space Command, and Arcturus UAV.

Theater commanders require quick-response, loiter-on-station sensor, and communications support, currently provided from a balloon-launched payload system flying from 65,000 to 325,000 ft. However, the unretrievable payloads are destroyed upon impact, a loss of several thousand dollars per flight. Consequently, operators requested development of a payload return upgrade. AFRL scientists responded with the cost-effective option of a 10 ft wingspan UAV with a 20 lb payload capacity, delivered via hand-launched polyethylene balloons. Although HARV employs autopilot software to return it safely to a programmed location, portable ground control stations permit in-flight plan changes, with turnaround times of less than 20 min.

Missions are conducted while the UAV remains attached to the balloon or airship, with a repeater permitting contact between ground stations and satellites. A release mechanism permits the UAV to detach--and then land--with only the loss of the disposable balloon or aerostat. Phase I of the three-phase test activity concluded in December 2006, by which point HARV had successfully demonstrated multiple balloon launches and returns from a 25,000 ft maximum elevation. Phase II has now validated returns from 65,000 ft. In Phase III, HARV will use an aerostat rather than a balloon. Goals for Phase III include establishing the capabilities of weeklong stationkeeping, long-range communications relay, and simultaneous utilization of multiple payload systems. Phase III planning is under way.