An Israeli company, RT Aerostat Systems, was selected by the Rio de Janeiro municipality, due to the current World Cup games, for the mission of securing the Fan Fest area of Copacabana, using the company's advanced tactical aerostat, SkyStar 180.
The Fan Fest area is spread over 0.2 square mile (half a square kilometer), accommodating tens of thousands of fans. The Israeli system will be securing the area until the final World Cup game on July 13.
The SkyStar 180 is a small sized, mobile aerostat designed for tactical mid-range surveillance and public safety, police and military applications.
Based on a towable trailer, the system has a stabilized day/night electro-optical payload suspended from a helium filled aerostat, tethered to a ground system.
It operates continuously at wind velocity of up to 40 knots, and can lift a payload of up to 20kg, providing surveillance coverage from an altitude of up to 1,000 ft., for up to 72 hours, after which it is brought down for a 30-minute helium refill. Only 2 people are required to fully maintain the system.
According to the company, the Skystar 180 aerostat is used for intelligence purposes in many countries, also being used continuously by the Israeli army (IDF) on the border with the Gaza Strip.
The is also used in securing civil events in Israel like during the recent visit of Pope Francis and during the concerts of Justin Timberlake and the Rolling Stones.