The culprit? Dead batteries in the auto-deflation device, according to a new report from the LA Times. The failed batteries were the last in a chain of failures, from a malfunctioning air pressure sensor to the strong nearly 70mph winds that bent the JLENS’ floating, blimp-like body out of shape. Normally, when this happens, the tethered blimp is supposed to deflate so doesn’t, say, get lost in Amish country. Instead, as the LA Times reports: As designed, JLENS is meant to protect the Washington, DC area from attack by spotting incoming missiles. When the weather isn’t bad, and when the system works properly, it can stay aloft for 20 to 30 days in a row, with continuous protect provided by rotating in tethered blimps. The key to protecting America from assault, it seems, is simply batteries.
