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Efosa Udinmwen

A stratospheric balloon could become a high-altitude drone carrier, capable of loitering for weeks and launching solar-powered UAVs

Drone ARMY
A Russian high-altitude stratospheric balloon is being prepared for launch in an open field, with ground crew and support vehicles positioned nearby.
  • Military balloons now launch reusable drones directly from the stratosphere
  • Solar-powered Apollo-R remains airborne for weeks after balloon deployment at altitude
  • Thunderhead balloon carries multiple drones during a single high-altitude deployment mission

High-altitude balloons are moving beyond surveillance roles as military developers explore using them as airborne launch platforms for long-endurance unmanned drones.

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