SYSTEMS CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING A STRATOSPHERIC EARLY WARNING AIRSHIP

Abstract

Since 1957, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) depends upon an array of ground-based radars to detect Russian bombers approaching the North American continent. Because radar signals are broadcasted line-of-sight, signals transmitted from ground-based radar towers are blocked by the curvature of the Earth. This signal blocking creates a "radar shadow” in which hostile aircraft can approach radar sites at very low altitudes and still not be detectable. One solution to this detection challenge would be to develop a remotely controlled airship capable of carrying a lightweight radar set aloft to very high altitudes in the stratosphere over the Arctic region for long durations. This concept would offer greatly extended air surveillance coverage and could act as a “tripwire” for the early detection of any advancing hostile forces. The proposed airship is a classic system example with various subsystems having numerous requirements, conflicting design considerations, and requiring effective component integration, and validation activities. Research also explores how new model-based system engineering tools could be used in conjunction with traditional system engineering processes to capture program requirements, assist component design activities, and conduct validation efforts to successfully realize this proposed early warning airship concept. Research to date has yet to uncover any examples of this proposed system and thus would be a unique contribution for both the systems engineering and NORAD air defense communities.