The German-American Tadpole Blimp Re-Emerges on the Way to Army Flight Testing

By Clay Dillow Posted 04.20.2011 at 5:46 pm 6 Comments

The STS-111/Argus One/Sperm Blimp in Flight via The Register

The tadpole-shaped airship formerly known as STS-111, currently known as Argus One, and commonly referred to as the sperm blimp, has completed initial flight tests and is on its way to the U.S. Army’s Yuma proving ground to undergo military testing.

The drone dirigible’s segmented design, crafted by Germany’s TAO Technologies, is aimed at resisting the push, pull, and twist of air currents. It also boasts a unique “Fuelgas” system that runs the blimp’s engines on a fuel mixture with the same density as atmospheric air, keeping the aircraft’s buoyancy the same as it burns off its fuel supply (this trick is actually not new, but was devised in the 1930s during the golden age of airships).

Tested in Germany in 2009, the STS-111/Argus One system is intended for deployment as a surveillance and communications relay drone, but the company (companies?) behind it haven’t been exactly on the up and up. Several name changes, deals, and at least one SEC probe have kept the blimp off the radar for going on two years now.

But one $300,000 civil penalty later, the Argus One appears back on track. Army testing will commence this summer, barring anymore unforeseen setbacks, an extension of the military's ongoing love affair with airships. Video of a 2008 prototype test is below.

[The Register]

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6 Comments

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Navy1270

04/20/11 at 5:56 pm

I see why they call it a sperm blimp (in the pic). But isn't the STS designation already taken(Shuttle transport system)?

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redoubt

04/20/11 at 6:56 pm

Aside from the obvious mental imagery that comes with the sperm balloon... one has to wonder what ultimate purpose it will serve?

For instance, will there be a giant, dirigible ova for the sperm blimp to chase down and join with? And what of such a mating? Will there be a fetus airship to follow?

I gave up trying to figure out where my tax dollars went years ago.

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Patrikd

04/20/11 at 7:34 pm

@redoubt: I would assume this will be aimed at a high-altitude communications and surveillance platform. Blimps are really good at staying in one place with minimal energy expended. But you obviously wouldn't want them to fly low, where they're very visible and vulnerable.

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dahiteman

04/20/11 at 10:08 pm

So it is, basically, four blimps tied together with one pulling. Very innovative.

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stewbreep

04/20/11 at 10:09 pm

Military?? looks pretty easy to shoot down

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skyship007

10/16/11 at 3:29 am

Hi Helium fans,
The flying tadpole is regarded as a LTA (Lighter than air) industry joke as your average model aircraft club with a few bottles of Helium and a big roll of white rubbish bin liners could make one.
If you like blimps and feel like a laugh try my new Gasbags site: www.hybridblimp.net which is the worlds only lighter than air comedy web site.
Regards JB (Airship & Blimp Consultant)

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