Lighter-than-air platforms (blimps and aerostats) for oceanographic and atmospheric research and monitoring

Lighter-than-air platforms (airships and aerostats) have been flown in a variety of research applications for more than a decade. The capabilities offered by these platforms are both unique and complementary to existing oceanographic and atmospheric research platforms. The addition of these platform types to the national aircraft research fleet is envisioned as a multi-agency, multi-user program based on the UNOLS or UCAR models. The identification of cost options, mission requirements, and user community is underway