Latest LTA Project News
Discover how Aero Drum Ltd engineers custom LTA solutions for aerospace pioneers, brands, and scientific missions.
Trusted by Industry Leaders Worldwide
Protect your valuable payload and maintain total control over your lighter-than-air aircraft.
Safety and reliable control are the absolute highest priorities when operating any complex LTA aircraft. To protect your team and secure highly expensive equipment, we designed and manufactured two specialized types of gas discharge valves. Type 1 operates on a one-pull mechanism that remains open once activated, while Type 2 features a multi-pull system that can open and close at will. Both options are built for seamless integration and have withstood the test of time on over a hundred delivered blimps and aerostats. Weighing between 160g and 205g, these lightweight valves use standard servo jacks for simple electronic connectivity. Multiple units can also be installed simultaneously if your specific project demands a faster rate of gas release. Investing in this essential safety hardware ensures your aircraft complies with legal safety requirements while physically guarding your assets.
Maintain optimal envelope tightness and stable buoyancy through changing flight conditions.
Prolonged flight times expose blimps and aerostats to fluctuating temperatures and atmospheric pressures that threaten envelope integrity. Without proper compensation, the envelope can quickly lose tightness or exceed safe pressure limits, resulting in an uncontrollable aircraft. Our automatic ballonet electronics system actively counteracts this by keeping internal pressure perfectly stable within your preset limits. This complete hardware kit includes a 3D-printed brushless air blower, precise dual-pressure sensors, control valves, and dedicated Windows software. Keeping a constant envelope pressure is absolutely critical for the proper operation of all attached components like stabilizers, cabins, and motor mounts. The entire processing assembly weighs just 740 grams and runs efficiently on a wide voltage range from 7 to 40 VDC. This professional system provides the reliable, automated pneumatic control required for high-stakes, long-endurance missions.
Harness clean solar energy with lightweight, aerodynamic modules tailored for curved envelopes.
Originally developed for our ambitious Trans-Atlantic Solar Blimp attempt, these flexible solar modules offer a revolutionary way to extend airborne endurance. Each waterproof module groups 18 premium SunPower Maxeon Gen III cells in a serial connection to produce over 12.5V and 6A. We utilized a specialized multi-layer backing of EVA foam, pressphan, and clear PVC to protect the fragile solar cells while maintaining flexibility. This unique structural design allows the panels to bend seamlessly around any blimp or aerostat envelope curvature. At just 3mm thick, they mount easily using high-strength adhesive bands that generate minimal aerodynamic resistance during flight. They are also remarkably practical, as they can be safely removed by simply peeling off the fixating tape without damaging the fabric. Each module weighs only 620 grams and ships inside a custom-cushioned protective case for maximum safety during transport.
Intelligently regulate energy flow between your solar array, onboard electronics, and motors.
Integrating solar panels onto an aircraft is only half the battle; managing the harvested energy is where true flight efficiency happens. Developed during 2020, our proprietary power management hardware and software actively control the complex energy flow on solar-powered LTA systems. This intelligent piece of electronics acts as the brain of your aircraft, enabling smooth flight through independent power control. It smoothly regulates power distribution between solar modules, the backup battery storage, and the main onboard propulsion motors. Built to handle demanding applications, the system supports a wide input voltage up to 58V and a maximum current load of 20A. It is an absolutely essential component for anyone looking to maximize flight hours on blimps, airships, or tethered surveillance aerostats. The package comes complete with dedicated Windows software and USB connectivity for easy system configuration and real-time monitoring.
