21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: Opposing Force OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) Part 12 - Airspace and Air Defense Systems, Improvised Aerial Systems, Upgrades, Countermeasures, Technology

This Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) describes the spectrum of worldwide systems and system trends in the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE), serving as an authoritative "encyclopedia" of weapons around the world. This is the newest edition revised in 2011. This handbook is one of a series that describes a contemporary Opposing Force (OPFOR) for training U.S. Military commanders, staffs, and units. Together, these handbooks outline an OPFOR than can cover the entire spectrum of military and paramilitary capabilities against which the U.S. Military must train to ensure success in any future conflict.

Part Twelve includes the section of Volume Two (Airspace and Air Defense Systems) covering air defense including improvised aerial systems, equipment upgrades, countermeasures, and emerging technology trends.

CHAPTER 7 - IMPROVISED AERIAL SYSTEMS * Airships in Military Applications * RC Aircraft * Powered Parachutes and Wingsuits * Ultra-light Aircraft * CHAPTER 8 - EQUIPMENT UPGRADES * Table: Aerodynamic Systems Upgrades * Table: Air Defense System Upgrades * CHAPTER 9 - COUNTERMEASURES * Table: Lethality Component vs. Countermeasure * Table: Countermeasure vs. Sensors * Table: Countermeasure vs. Weapons * Table: Countermeasures by Functional Area * CHAPTER 10 - EMERGING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS * Technologies and Environments * Table: Technologies and Applications * Projected OPFOR Capabilities Near/Mid-Term * Military Technology Trends 2021 * Glossary
Airships can be categorized as non-rigid, semi-rigid, and rigid. Non-rigid describes balloons and blimps. Balloons can be of various shapes but without internal structure except air pockets for shaping. Most are round. Blimps (see right) generally fit the characteristic shape. Blimps can orient better in wind than round ones. Airships which are moored to a winch on the ground or on a vehicle are also aerostats. Semi-rigid airships have some struts or framing, but use inflation to fill part of the structure. Rigid airships have their overall structure supported with framing. Some aerostats, especially larger ones, are semi-rigid or rigid. Dirigibles are airships powered by electric or internal combustion engines, and are rigid or semi-rigid. Their max speed varies up to70 km/hr. Zeppelins are special-designed airships trademarked by a German company.
Airships come in various shapes and sizes. They are made of varied materials, mostly PVC or UV-treated nylon. Wind speed should not exceed 25-35 km/hr during flight. Although they can be filled with hydrogen, hot air, etc., the vast majority use helium. Helium can be produced by generators in ground stations or in trailers, compressed in tanks, and distributed to airship users. Helium tanks will sustain a small airship for days. Most airships can absorb several hits while remaining aloft. Most rips and bullet holes can be easily and quickly repaired. An electric hoist can be vehicle-mounted for stationary launch, frequent relocation, and re-launch.