Abstract:
An envelope is disclosed for holding gas in a lighter-than-air aircraft. The envelope includes a shell having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface each extend between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The shell has an airfoil-shaped cross-section having a reflex camber quality.
Abstract:
An airship comprises a shell, a gas storage system, an air storage system, a cargo storage system, a heating system, and a propulsion system. The shell encompasses a volume. The gas storage system is located within the volume, wherein the gas storage system is capable of storing a lighter than air gas. The air storage system is located within the volume, wherein the air storage system is capable of storing heated air. The heating system is capable of heating air. The propulsion system is capable of propelling the shell during flight.
Abstract:
A method and system for air flight is shown. The blended lifting body system includes a lift module, a propulsion module, a payload module and a control system. A conventional control system morphs the other modules through variable buoyant lift, internal structures and a flexible exterior, and varies bio-inspired oscillation in the propulsion module in order to facilitate takeoff, flight and landing. The hybrid dynamic/morphing shape buoyant, dynamic lift-assisted (hybrid) air vehicle, employing aquatic-like (e.g. fin) propulsion was discussed, with many variations and examples.
Abstract:
A “wing in ground effect” aerial vehicle includes a wing mounted on a fuselage, and two cycloidal propulsion units for providing lift, thrust and longitudinal control. Additional lift is provided by a lighter-than-air gas such as helium contained in the fuselage. Operationally, the two cycloidal propulsion units and the volume of lighter-than-air gas are concertedly regulated to achieve “wing in ground effect” flight. Importantly, the two cycloidal propulsion units may operate in one of several modes, to include a curtate mode, a prolate mode, and a fixed-wing mode. Additionally, the vehicle may hover. Also, a thruster unit is mounted on the fuselage for providing forward thrust in combination with, or in lieu of, the two cycloidal propulsion units.
Abstract:
An aircraft comprising an envelope (6) that is inflatable with a lifting gas that is lighter than air that, at least when inflated has curved upper and lower surfaces. The aircraft has a payload carrying means (5), and an aerodynamic lifting means (8) for creating a vertical annular flow of air that induces a flow of air over the respective upper or lower surface (12, 14) of the envelope (6.). One form of aerodynamic generator (8) comprises a plurality of aerofoil blades (20) mounted for rotation around a periphery of the envelope (6).
Abstract:
A method and system for air flight is disclosed. The blended lifting body system is comprised of a lift module, a propulsion module, a payload module and a control system. The control system morphs the other modules through variable buoyancy, internal structures and a flexible exterior, and varies biomimetic oscillation in the propulsion module in order to facilitate takeoff, flight and landing.
Abstract:
The proposed UUAV provides a small, agile vehicle that leverages the unique principals of remote controlled model aviation. The UUAV also encompasses an aerodynamically shaped, gas filled wing that can be used to provide buoyancy for lift assistance both through the use of the lighter than air gas and by its aerodynamic shape in forward flight.
Abstract:
A lighter-than-air aircraft (1) having a gas-filled hull (2) and a pair of spaced apart landing gear units (11, 12) on the underside of the hull arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinally extending central vertical plane of the hull. Each landing gear unit (11, 12) comprises bag skirt means (5–7, 5′–7′), means for supplying air to and removing air from the bag skirt means and actuating means operable to move the bag skirt means between an operative configuration for containing one or more air cushions and an inoperative configuration.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a hybrid airship including an outer shell, a plurality of helium filled gas envelopes, and an all-electric propulsion system may have the shape of a delta-wing. In some embodiments, the hybrid airship may be launched using buoyancy lift alone and aerodynamic lift may be provided by the all-electric propulsion system. In one aspect, a photovoltaic array and a high energy density power storage system may be combined to power the propulsion system making the propulsion system regenerative. The delta-wing shape can provide a surface area large enough to accommodate very large circular or elliptical transmission devices. By continuously recharging the power storage system, the hybrid airship in accordance with some embodiments can stay aloft at an operational altitude of at least about 85,000 ft for months or even years. The hybrid airship may function as an airborne military communications relay platform.
Abstract:
An aeronautical apparatus, the combination comprising a primary airfoil having at least one panel which is an upper panel, a lower panel, and multiple gas containing tubes associated with the airfoil and extending lengthwise thereof, the tubes including relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise of the airfoil, and relatively smaller cross-section positioners located to stabilize the relatively larger cross-section tubes.