Super Blimp's Super Stare : Army's Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle

Northrop Grumman’s open architected Long Endurance Multi Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) is a revolutionary aviation concept that will shape the future of ISR.

 They’ve developed a clean aerodynamic design with less drag than competing designs, use existing proven hull materials, a type certified engine, off-the-shelf sensors, and the Army’s Universal Ground Control Station with 100% interoperability with DCGS-A.  Northrup Grumman integrates ISR payloads most efficiently through the Murphy Bay on the vehicle centerline.  Every design tradeoff was made with an unyielding commitment to schedule. The open architecture and business model invites third parties to get onboard the aircraft with limited interference, weapon system, balanced by its elegant simplicity.

The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle above Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., during its first flight on Aug. 7, 2012. The LEMV is intended to provide warfighters with multi-intelligence sensors capable of persistent intelligence

What is it?

The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) is a state-of-the-art hybrid airship that will provide persistent time-on station for additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to the theater commander. LEMV will add ISR capability to meet the growing needs of the combatant commanders. Combined with an array of payloads - including ground moving target indicator radar, electro optical/infra-red sensors, communications relay, blue force tracking, signal intelligence and electronic counter measures - the LEMV will augment existing ISR platforms to provide additional capabilities.

LEMV design requirements include the capability to operate at 20,000 feet above mean sea level, a 2,000-mile radius of action, a 21-day on-station availability, consume 16 kilowatts of electrical power, reduced flight-hour costs compared to manned flights, be runway independent and the ability to carry several different sensors at the same time. LEMV will be a recoverable and reusable multi-mission platform.

What has the Army done?

The Office of the Secretary of Defense intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (OSD ISR) task force has selected the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command as the lead for this joint program. USASMDC/ARSTRAT is currently in the process of building a joint team to ensure the LEMV program benefits all services as well as numerous other U.S. government agencies. LEMV is working with the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program manager for the use of existing UAS architecture for ground control and to meet future needs.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army is slated to demonstrate the first LEMV in Afghanistan (18 months after contract award) with proposed plans to build five others following mission completion. The Army, as well as other services, is interested in the latest development of ISR payloads that can be flown on a hybrid airship platform of this type.

Why is this important to the Army?

The LEMV will offer payload flexibility and a persistent ISR capability that currently does not exist in theater today. LEMV will provide a possible solution to communications beyond the line-of-sight to the user, signals intelligence collection and almost any other type of payload configuration that meets the power, weight and size requirements. By providing this all-source sensor data to existing ground stations, the data is available to multiple users and analysts. This interoperability with existing tasking, processing exploitation and dissemination has the potential to improve information-poor situations, mitigating warfighter gaps and existing shortfalls through multi-intelligence sensor integration. The LEMV will enable OSD to fly the most technologically advanced payloads in the near term as they become available.

Key Features• Simple, non-exotic solutions with proven components
• Energy efficient.  Fuel consumption more than 10x less than comparable capability
• 12-24 forward deployed crew members to support 18 vehicles 24/7/365
• 1,500nm – 2,400nm range with 15,000 lbs (Heavy Lift Configuration)
• More than 21 days endurance with 2,750 lbs payload (ISR Configuration)
• Payload Volume more than 2,700 cubic feet, heavy lift yield additional volume
• Service Ceiling greater than 22,000 ft. MSL
• Loiter/dash speed: 30/80 kts

Capabilities• More than 21 days of unblinking stare
• Proven multi-INT payload integration
• Multi-mission capable: persistent surveillance, force protection, counter-drug operations,
• Support host nation ops, disaster, humanitarian relief, overwatch/support troops
• Flexible Murphy Bay modules to accommodate current and future payloads
• Very short or vertical takeoff, excellent ground stability
• Bow thruster provides low-speed control and position hold capability
• Leverage proven type-certified engine
• Future growth accomplished through field installations
• Radar, SIGINT, Full Motion Video, LOS/BLOS COMM Relay