July 2003
From Office of Naval Research
Blimp ride & demo of high tech sensors A test flight to simulate searching and identifying terrorist camps Media opportunities are available by appointment (contact: 808-221-3552)The Office of Naval Research is testing the use of blimps and cutting edge sensors for today's mission requirements. Science and Technology International's (STI) Littoral Airborne Sensor - Hyperspectal (LASH) system is onboard a blimp that will be berthed and flying from the Manassas (VA) Regional Airport for four days, Aug 4-8, 2003. (Other times available to media by request.) The 30-minute test flight will simulate searching and identifying a terrorist camp in the nearby woods. The LASH system is designed for passive and immediate detection of targets of interest invisible to the naked eye that can be submerged in the water at tactical depths or land areas. Think submarines, underwater mines, whales, and other marine mammals. Steve Huett, ONR's project manager on the LASH program, and Director of Airship Advanced Development Program Office at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), will be available for interviews. Contact Linda Jameson at (808) 221-3552 to arrange flight times and to interview STI experts. Linda Jameson is Corporate Communications Director for STI. Additional information about STI can be found at http://www.sti-industries.com Directions to Manassas Regional Airport Main Terminal
From I-66: Take Exit 44 - Route 234 South; the exit only goes in one direction (approach signs to the exit may mention Prince William Parkway). After approximately 5.5 miles, exit onto Route 28 going North. At the first traffic signal, turn right onto Godwin Drive. A short distance up Godwin Drive, turn right onto Gateway Boulevard, just past the Department of Motor Vehicles. After you cross the railroad tracks, you are at the Manassas Regional Airport. From Route 28: Turn south onto Godwin Drive. Just beyond the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building, turn right onto Gateway Boulevard. Stay in the left hand lane of Gateway Boulevard. After you cross the railroad tracks, you are at the Manassas Regional Airport. From the Prince William Parkway toward Manassas: There is a traffic light at the intersection of the Parkway with Liberia Avenue. Liberia Avenue goes to the right and Prince William Parkway to the left. Turn left onto Prince William Parkway. Take the first right turn onto Hastings Drive. Continue straight on Hastings Drive, which will change names to Godwin Drive. Shortly after you cross the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, there is an intersection with Colonel Court on the right and Gateway Boulevard on the left (next to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building). Turn left onto Gateway Boulevard. After you cross the railroad tracks again, you are at the Manassas Regional Airport. From Dumfries Road: Follow Dumfries Road (Route 234) into the City of Manassas. Dumfries Road becomes Grant Avenue. After going under the railroad underpass, take the second left onto Church Street. in Old Town Manassas (that is also Route 28). At the end of Old Town, Route 28 becomes four lanes and is called Nokesville Road. From this point go about 3-1/2 miles to a left turn onto Godwin Drive. (There is an Amoco gas station at the corner.) A short distance up Godwin Drive, turn right onto Gateway Boulevard, just past the Department of Motor Vehicles. After you cross the railroad tracks, you are at the Manassas Regional Airport. ************************************************************************* The Office of Naval Research (ONR) manages science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. ONR sponsors basic and applied research in oceanography, advanced materials, sensors, robotics, biomedical science and technology, electronics, surveillance, mathematics, manufacturing technology, information science, advanced combat systems, and technologies for ships, submarines, aircraft, and ground vehicles. For more information about ONR's programs, go to http://www.onr.navy.mil | 