The exclusive use of ground based radar for air surveillance is restrictive in that low flying aircraft cannot be detected while they are masked by terrain features, or below radar line-of-sight. A potential solution is an airborne radar system with a look-down capability working in conjunction with ground based radars. This study compares the airborne early warning potential of aerostats, blimps, and remotely piloted vehicles. Each platform will be analyzed from the standpoint of: capability, cost, feasibility, manpower, risk, logistics and affordability.
