Aerostat surveillance system being evaluated by CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is evaluating a Lockheed Martin aerostat surveillance system along the border with Mexico.

The system is the Persistent Threat Detection System, or PTDS, which is currently being used in Afghanistan by the U.S. Army for identifying threats and tracking insurgents.

Lockheed Martin said it is providing operational support for the system's evaluation by CBP.

The PTDS consists of a tethered aerostat with sensor equipment. It provides panoramic day/night surveillance of the ground from high altitudes for long periods of time.

The system's sensors can be easily and quickly interchanged in order to support different types of CBP missions.

"PTDS is a robust system that has proven its worth protecting our forces around the world," said Dr. Rob Smith, vice president of C4ISR for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions. "Using PTDS to support the CBP mission is an excellent way to leverage and maximize existing capital assets and experienced operators for border protection efforts."

Lockheed noted that with the U.S. military drawdown in Afghanistan, more of its aerostat surveillance systems are becoming available for other uses.