Israeli-based aerostat specialist RT LTA (Hall A, Stand A3.2.2) will display a model of the Skystar 180 aerostat at Aero India. The company recently completed two live demonstrations of the system to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India. One demonstration took place at an operational area, and the other was conducted at the BSF headquarters at New Delhi.

The Skystar 180 is a small, mobile aerostat designed for tactical mid-range surveillance and public safety, as well as for police and military applications, at reduced cost. The Skystar systems are currently operational in many different countries worldwide, and are optimal for both land and maritime use, offering availability of over 85% in any given area.

Based on a towable trailer, the system has a stabilized day/night electro-optical payload suspended from a helium filled aerostat, tethered to a ground system. The manufacturer says the system can operate continuously at wind velocity of up to 40 knots, and can lift a payload of up to 20kg, providing surveillance coverage from an altitude of up to 1,000ft. for up to 72 hours, after which it is brought down for a 20-minute helium refill. Only 2 people are required to fully maintain the system.

RT LTA says the Skystar 180 is used by many different clients worldwide for border and base-camp protection. The system was in use during the Winter Olympic Games in Canada, during the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and during the Paris climate summit (COP 21).

In July 2016 RT established a subsidiary company named "Aero-T", which specializes in the development and manufacture of large aerostats. Aero-T's first product, the SkyGuard1, is a large aerostat in a Blimp shape, which can carry payloads of up to 90 kg, reach altitudes of up to 1,000 meters, and operate continuously for 7 days without maintenance.