SkyNavigator

About the SkyNavigator Project

SkyNavigator is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAV concept that can transition from heavier-than-air flight to a lighter-than-air loiter mode for extended station keeping. This section will be expanded to describe the mission, key systems (Starlink control, LTA transition, payloads), and test plan that the Helmsman demonstrator supports.

Helmsman

Pushing the new frontier of drone technologies, the Helmsman is a experimental test bed for future drone models utilizing StarLink terminals and direct to cell connectivity. This ability will allow this drone and future models to be remotely operated and programed from anywhere in the world. This project is also in direct response to Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth's memo calling for drone dominance with cheap, effective, and reliable drones. The Helmsman, although lacking range and payload, could be pre-positioned in forward areas and demonstrates the ability to craft an all COTS drone with unlimited controlling range, aeronavigation, and FPV for under $2,000 in COTS materials.

The Balloon

A critical validation step for the SkyNavigator program is ensuring the balloon system meets operational requirements. This system enables the transition from heavier-than-air flight to lighter-than-air mode. The balloon must be deployable during flight, allowing the SkyNavigator to shift into a blimp-like configuration for extended station-keeping at altitudes up to 85,000 ft. A large parafoil will be used to take over the lift component of the aircraft and proceed to slowly inflate several cells on the upper surface like a balloon. As the buoyancy of the aircraft increases, the SkyNavigator aircraft will be able to come to a complete stop and remain at altitude.