Mary-Louise Hoffman
Lockheed Martin has provided U.S. Customs and Border Protection with a tethered aerostat-based radar platform meant to help the agency detect potential threats along the southern border.
CBP is testing the Persistent Threat Detection System for the agency’s border surveillance activities in collaboration with Lockheed and the U.S. Army, the company said Wednesday.
The Army uses the company’s PTDS aerostat system to help soldiers monitor insurgents and spot threats, according to Lockheed.
“As the mission evolves, PTDS is able to adapt its technology for new uses to support our customers and nation,” said Paula Hartley, vice president of advanced products solutions at Lockheed’s mission systems and training business.
The company designed the helium-filled airship to float at high altitudes for a long period of time and to offer users a 24/7 panoramic surveillance coverage.
According to Lockheed, PTDS can be configured to integrate multiple sensors and support other agency missions.
