以色列浮空器制造商RT LTA公司决定研发高空侦察飞艇，名叫「天空卫士」(Sky Guard)，将负责特定设施的空中侦察。

詹氏防卫网(Jane’s Defense)的报导，以色列浮空器制造商RT LTA公司长期都制造各类型的氦气球，用于侦察与气象等用途。现在开发的这款天空卫士，是一个蛋形飞艇，可携带90公斤的装备，漂浮高度约在一千多公尺的 空中，没有其他多余动力，以绳索与地面故定。

RT的代表说：「天空卫士可以至少执行七天的任务不需多余的维护。」

美国陆军曾 经对于飞艇侦察系统寄与厚望，曾开发过称为「巡弋飞弹联合防御系统」的飞艇，打算用于侦察来袭的巡弋飞弹。但是发生过多次飞艇意外漂走，必须动用战机拦 截，甚至缠在变电所造成2万户的大停电，因此整个计画遭到搁置。如今以色列提出的天空卫士计画，似乎是延续了这个构想。

Israeli aerostat manufacturer RT LTA Systems announced on 26 July that it was launching a new family of platforms under the name 'SkyGuard' that are designed to carry far heavier payloads for longer periods than its existing SkyStar family.

RT said its new Aero-T subsidiary will develop and produce the SkyGuard family and has already completed development of the SkyGuard 1.

The SkyGuard 1 takes the form of an egg-shaped 'blimp' rather than the spherical shape of the SkyStar. It can carry payloads weighing up to 90 kg and reach altitudes of up to 1,000 m for long-endurance missions, according to RT.

"Taken together, these abilities will allow the aerostat to operate continuously for at least seven days without maintenance," RT said.

In comparison, the largest SkyStar has a 50 kg maximum payload weight and 72-hour endurance.

As with the SkyStar, the SkyGuard 1 is unpowered and tethered to a ground control station.

RT sources expressed confidence that talks with potential clients would begin soon.

"Aero-T's new product uses the most high-end technology in its field and its qualities compete with the leading companies in the large aerostat market," said Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT and Aero-T.

SkyStar aerostats are in service with a range of clients, including the Israel Defense Forces, and are mainly used for aerial surveillance around specific facilities.