The Army successfully tested a state-of-the-art airship that ultimately could serve as a long-term and steady eye in the sky, positioned out of range of most potential adversaries. The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle, or LEMV, flew for more than 90 minutes above Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 7. Once ready for deployment, LEMV – at roughly 100 yards in length – will remain aloft at an altitude of 22,000 feet. Capable of taking off from an area free of large rocks, trees, or other obstructions, LEMV will carry more than a ton of intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance equipment, and operate in a 2,000-mile radius. The vehicle is capable of carrying a pilot, largely to comply with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Ultimately, LEMV will deploy as an unmanned vehicle from overseas locations. It will be capable of staying airborne for up to 21 days at a time.
