Ross Wilkers
Northrop Grumman completed the first test flight of a surveillance airship for the Army over the New Jersey skies Tuesday, Business Insider reports.
Robert Johnson reports the company launched the football field-sized blimp from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for a 90-minute flight.
The Long-Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle will be used for C4ISR missions in Afghanistan next year, Johnson reports.
According to Johnson, the Army expects to use the LEMV to haul up to seven tons of cargo for up to 2,400 miles at maximum speeds of 30 miles per hour.
Designed for unmanned mission, the LEMV is also designed to carry between 12 and 24 people, according to the report.
Previous reports indicated the company wants to add cameras and radio systems following the test flight.
The company is also reportedly working to address the blimp’s flying capabilities in rough weather such as thunderstorms and high winds.
