Lockheed extends Aerostat mission for US Border Protection

Lockheed Martin is providing operational support for a persistent threat detection system (PTDS) aerostat system, which is under evaluation by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the Southern border of the US.

The US Army is currently using the PTDS to help troops detect threats, track insurgents, and improve overall readiness for coalition forces in theatre.

Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training business advanced products solutions vice-president Paula Hartley said: "As the mission evolves, PTDS is able to adapt its technology for new uses to support our customers and nation."

"PTDS is a robust system that has proven its worth protecting our forces around the world," said of for

The PTDS has been designed to provide panoramic day/night surveillance in extremely challenging weather and has been supporting the CBP border protection efforts.

Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions C4ISR vice-president Dr Rob Smith said: "Using PTDS to support the CBP mission is an excellent way to leverage and maximise existing capital assets and experienced operators for border protection efforts."

In addition to remaining continuously aloft at high altitudes, the PTDS provides a persistent surveillance capability and can fly at greater altitudes for longer periods of time, thereby providing 24/7 coverage to a larger area.

The PTDS can be integrated with multiple sensors to enable to support different types of CBP missions.

The PTDS programme is being managed by the US Army’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, Product Director Aerostats, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, US.