In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the ongoing 11-day international climate change summit, the Paris municipal police deployed an Israeli-made surveillance balloon to help keep approximately 200 delegates safe.
The Skystar 180 aerostat was leased from the French company Group SSI and Yavne-based RT Systems, who manufactured the system used for surveillance, intelligence, communications and reconnaissance. Skystar 180 looks over Paris and provides public security services and midrange surveillance to the French police. It can fly up to 1,000 feet in altitude and operate for approximately 72 hours straight.
"By providing an elevated platform, well above the field of operation, the system offers an indispensable, dominating view of the scene below," wrote RT Systems on its website.
The Israeli company stressed the importance of a persistent reconnaissance system that is built for high-risk situations where enemies can operate in secret within a hostile civilian environment. The Skystar 180's 360-degree functionality make it capable of providing automatic scans and high-quality surveillance. It can last aloft up to three days straight and requires only a brief 20-minute break for re-inflation after a 72-hour stint. It leaves a small logistical footprint compared with other surveillance systems. Skystar 180 is also easy to operate and cost-effective, the company notes.
The helium-inflated balloon measures 19.5 feet and is very mobile. The Skystar 180 is fastened to a portable control station on ground where the surveillance data and video are processed. The Israeli-made Triple Sensor LRF Stabilized Miniature Payload (TR-STAMP) is also being utilized. TR-STAMP uses its triple sensor (CCD TV, infra-red and laser rangefinder) electro-optical system to provide "over-the-hill" tactical scouting images.
Paris is host to the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference, an 11-day assembly attended by many of the world's top leaders. The conference kicked off on Nov. 30 and will conclude on Dec. 11. The goal is to arrive at a legally binding agreement to address climate change and keep the global warming levels from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.
The French capital was swept by a series of terrorist attacks at various locations on Nov. 13, leaving 130 people dead and over 360 people injured. Extremist group ISIL or Islamic State declared responsibility for the series of coordinated attacks. Russia has already classified the extremist group as a terrorist organization in the country.
