signals may be arranged so as to consume a very
small portion of transmission time.
D. The duration of radio reception and of positioning data
may be greatly extended by appropriately equipped aircraft.
It is intended to utilize a B-17 with top-mounted radar to
search above the plane for tracking. Depending upon the
noise-level encountered, it may be possible to acquire
pressure data with a receiver in the plane. It may be
necessary to provide at least two aircraft for continuous
reception over long periods.
2. It is very desirable that the simplified light-weight ballast
control system for flights of less than 24 hours' duration be
perfected. The elaborate ballast assembly with the automatic
ballast valve will not be needed for the many contemplated
flights which will be made with a useful life of less than
eight hours. A lower-capacity reservoir with manual ballast
valve and filter provides a light-weight, inexpensive unit.
Tests are now being conducted to find the best design for these
components.
3. In order to float a balloon at a pre-selected maximum altitude
it is necessary to supplement the variation-of-ballast with a new
height control system.
A. With a given balloon, and given total load, it is
possible to forecast the maximum height. (See Section
III for the computation.) If various maximum heights
are desired, this maximum height may be varied by
varying the total load, or varying the buoyancy of
the balloon through variation in balloon volume.
- 34 -