$26M BLIMP SENT BACK TO US

It is being returned because of malfunctions and has been grounded for months at Camp Cumuto. The blimp worked for approximately 12 weeks. Worldwide Aeros, the company from which Government purchased the blimp, has agreed to exchange the limp sky ship, for another blimp. This replacement blimp if it works properly will mean regular sky patrols by two blimps. For the last month only the blue, red and white 12-year-old Skyship 600 has been in service. It is currently under a lease arrangement at a cost of US$100,000 per month.

The lease will expire in a few days’ time, but government has decided to purchase it, for an undisclosed price. Sources told Sunday Newsday that Fred Edworthy, of Worldwide Aeros will arrive in the country shortly with a team of experts to arrange for the return of the blimp to the US.

Sources said mechanical problems affecting surveillance equipment aboard the $26 million airship cannot be repaired by local engineers. The blimp can fly but the surveillance equipment on board is not functioning, making it useless. Last December, Government decided not to renew the contract of the employees of Worldwide Aeros who were contracted to fix the problem. This was done after SAUTT officials expressed concern about the length of time it was taking to repair the aircraft.

The airship was purchased in July last year. On July 16, citizens awoke on a clear sunny Saturday to see a white ovalshaped blimp, outfitted with infrared gyroscopic cameras, carrying out air surveillance. Several persons thought the aircraft was a UFO. However the UFO rumour was quickly dispelled by Minister of National Security Martin Joseph, who boasted that the aerial surveillance aircraft will hunt down illegal guns, drugs and gangs — the main elements fuelling criminal activity in this country.

The Minister said the blimp would be effective in solving kidnapping cases because it was equipped for high-tech tracking of vehicles and persons. By early November, the much talked about blimp was nowhere in sight and reports began surfacing that it was down for repairs. Last December 27, SAUTT Director Brigadier Peter Joseph revealed that the engine on the blimp was affecting the sensors but attempts were being made to correct the situation. Last week SAUTT issued another release stating that the Aeros B Airship remains grounded due to technical problems.