...wholly owned subsidiary, Lighter Than Air Systems Corp. ("LTAS"), has provided the initial trailer-mounted aerostat launcher system and six aerostats to BAE Systems to support the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). The LTAS self contained, compact, trailer-mounted aerostat launcher system and aerostats have been delivered and are undergoing testing and evaluation for various mission profiles to support and enhance critical communications for the Army. Using the LTAS aerostats, the SMDC is able to extend encrypted communications up to approximately 20 miles using standard battlefield radios. LTAS expects to deliver the second aerostat launcher system to BAE Systems in the second quarter 2013.

The LTAS aerostat launcher systems are custom designed, engineered and manufactured to provide rapid communications and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for government and commercial applications. The LTAS aerostat launcher systems are proprietary, in-house designed, turn-key systems that are self contained and mounted to a compact trailer for use with various military vehicles. The LTAS aerostat systems include fixed and remote controls, custom software and electronics, and self contained helium storage with rapid inflation and deflation systems for simplified user operation.

The LTAS aerostat launcher systems are engineered to provide significant benefits over competing systems, including reduced maintenance and overall operation costs, smaller footprint for operations, reduced operators required to manage the aerostat, decreased time for inflation/deflation, faster launch and recovery, and a simplified process.