Read through our FAQ or contact us directly if you have more questions.
Based on extensive testing, SkyDoc ® Balloons, when properly configured, are capable of operating in conditions equivalent to a Category 2 Hurricane.
Wind limits are primarily determined by the strength of the tether and attachment points. Every system is custom engineered for the customer's expected operating environment.
Without a tether, the aerostat will continue flying until it naturally descends. For customers operating in sensitive environments, an optional Emergency Deflation Device (EDD) allows rapid deflation to prevent capture of valuable payloads.
Helium is non-explosive, so the aerostat will not explode. Punctures simply allow helium to escape gradually, giving operators time to safely recover the aerostat.
No. SkyDoc® Aerostats operate using 97–99% pure helium.
No. Helium is an inert gas and presents no combustion or explosion hazard.
Helium is available from most industrial gas and welding gas suppliers. SkyDoc® recommends Type "T" cylinders filled with 97–99% pure helium.
Training is not mandatory, but one to two days of hands-on training is strongly recommended.
Most launch and recovery operations require 3–5 experienced personnel, depending on aerostat size.
Dedicated handling lines secure the aerostat to cleats on the AXE launch platform.
Yes. Tethers are available from 500 to 3,500 feet and can include copper conductors for power and fiber optics for communications.
Before storage, the aerostat must be completely dry. Handling lines, control lines, and sail material should be inspected for moisture to prevent mildew.
Properly sized SkyDoc® Aerostats can lift over 270 pounds (122 kg).
No. The aerostat, tether, AXE platform, and support equipment can all be purchased separately.
The SkyDoc® Aerostat naturally aligns itself with the wind, minimizing movement and reducing stabilization requirements for attached payloads.
Standard operating altitude is approximately 3,400 feet AGL, with successful operation at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet above sea level.
Yes. U.S. operators must comply with current FAA regulations, especially near airports or controlled airspace. International customers should consult their national aviation authority.
Yes. SkyDoc® regularly ships worldwide, subject to export restrictions and the company's Terms of Sale.
SkyDoc® built its first aerostat system in 1987 and has been in continuous operation since 1988, providing tethered aerostat solutions worldwide.
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