AlumiFuel Power (AFPW) has handed over the upgraded portable balloon inflation system-2000 (PBIS-200) under contract to the US Air Force Special Operations Command (USAFSOC).

The delivery follows an undisclosed contract secured by the company in September 2012 for modification of the PBIS-200 prototype unit it delivered to the air force in late April 2012.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The system was, however, returned by the command for modification of 14 items to help enhance and upgrade the functionality and user-friendliness of the unit in the field, following on-site training with AFPW’s engineers at Hurlburt Field airbase in Florida, US.

AlumiFuel Power Technologies president and CEO David Cade said: ”The modifications clearly improved the operating functionality and capability of the system, and these changes will be incorporated in a more streamlined design for follow-on PBIS-2000 production units."

"The modifications clearly improved the operating functionality and capability of the system."

The modified system is scheduled to undergo further testing and deployment for field trials in an overseas environment, the expected site-of-operations.

Awarded in September 2011, the unspecified production contract covered the development and delivery of a prototype PBIS-200 system along with 360 cartridges, a spare parts kit, a tool kit, as well as two days of operational training to AFSOC.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Equipped with six AlumiFuel cartridges, the PBIS-2000 is a hydrogen lift-gas generator designed to provide AFSOC with the required amount of lift gas for launch of a 200g weather balloon and special instrumentation payload within 20 minutes.

The system possesses footprint, weight and safety features similar to that of the company’s PBIS-lite system, and is also capable of operating at ambient pressure and low temperatures, a quality superior to conventional K-cylinders.

AlumiFuel is currently expecting PBIS-2000 AlumiFuel cartridges production contracts from USAF and other potential customers across the globe.