Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Giant sphere attracts attention in Stead

You might have noticed an unuusal sight if you passed by the Reno-Stead Airport recently. The giant white sphere has generated quite a few calls to our newsroom. So what is it ?

It turns out its a prototype airship being developed by a private company called Sierra Nevada Corporation. They're testing out in hopes of marketing it one day to businesses and government agencies.

Jim McGinley at SNC says the round airship could be used to monitor crowds or border crossings. Right now FAA regulations require that it be manned but in the future it may be operated by remote control.

McGinley says the airship could be valuable to anyone who desires a persistent surveillance presence in a remote location.

The company says it will continue testing in Stead for the next two or three weeks.

via Giant sphere attracts attention in Stead - My News 4.

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