Sanswire-TAO Corp. has begun to modify and test the propulsion system which will power the 111-ft. non-rigid, multi-segmented, rapid deployment/rapid folding Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) currently in production for multiple surveillance and homeland security applications.

Sanswire-TAO will conduct both simulated and real-world environment testing using the world class aviation research infrastructure that features atmospheric simulation chambers, temperature simulation chambers and dynameters. Following laboratory advances, real-world testing will follow, using aircrafts to position the engine at altitude to simulate real life operational conditions and monitor systems at varying degrees of altitude and pressure. The lightweight, highly efficient engine is being modified to operate using the patented FuelGas design that will help operate the mid-altitude STS-111. The FuelGas design is comprised of complex customized systems developed and patented by Sanswire-TAO. Implementation of the FuelGas system provides significant gains in endurance, duration, and performance over other airship designs that rely on burning liquid fuel, which is heavy and causes changes in buoyancy and weight while burning. These issues do not apply to the FuelGas powered STS-111. Sanswire-TAO's range of airships are designed to address specific commercial and government needs for persistent, medium to long duration applications at medium and, in the near future, high altitudes to support homeland and border security and various other applications in the operational arena.