PMA-262LTARFI Sources Sought Synopsis: Aug 29, 2008 The following information is provided to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in conducting market research to identify potential contractors to develop, test, integrate, produce, field and support Lighter Than Air (LTA) platforms/systems. Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Navy charter to explore LTA free flight technologies in support of Navy missions. LTA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (optionally manned) have the potential to provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Communications (ISRC) support as well as logistical support (manned) for tactical level maneuver/decisions and unit level low altitude air defense/force protection for Naval ships (multi-ship classes) and Marine Corps land forces. may include multiple air vehicles, and support equipment with a 5,000 mi radius of action with transglobal range (2,000 mi radius of action) and outsized payloads measuring up to 500 tons. These systems will support Naval missions such as building the Recognized Maritime Picture, Maritime Security Operations, Maritime Interdiction Operations, and support of Naval units operating from sea/shore in the global war on terrorism. The systems will also support Marine Corps missions making improved integration with ground schemes of maneuver. NAVAIR LTA interests include but are not limited to the following: conventional airships, hybrid airships, free floating balloon systems, and other High Altitude LTA systems. Additionally NAVAIR is interested in supportive LTA technologies to include but not limited to: buoyancy control systems, advanced/alternative propulsion/power generation systems, lightweight high strength envelope materials, vectored flight control systems, weather prediction/avoidance systems, lifting gas generation systems, unconventional landing schemes, ground handling, ship interface concepts, and LTA modeling/scaling methodologies. The sensor version has aa. mission radius of 5000 nmb. 2500 lbs payload thresholdc. un-manned semi-autonomous with remote pilot take off and landingd. 16Kw power thresholde. 7 days loiter at mission radius at 20,000 ft MSL is desired threshold. The logistics version would be manned and support for "drive on – drive off" cargo movement, operating from unprepared surfaces or from water (lakes, rivers open sea).a. mission radius of 1000 nm optionally manned. up to 500 tons. The aircraft must be able to take off and land from water, snow, sand, and from un-prepared fields Naval Air Systems Command