Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Hydrogen powered aircraft
- Patent Title (中): 氢动力飞机
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Application No.: US13200466Application Date: 2011-09-23
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Publication No.: US08308106B2Publication Date: 2012-11-13
- Inventor: Paul B. MacCready , Bart D. Hibbs , Robert F. Curtin
- Applicant: Paul B. MacCready , Bart D. Hibbs , Robert F. Curtin
- Applicant Address: US CA Monrovia
- Assignee: AeroVironment Inc.
- Current Assignee: AeroVironment Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US CA Monrovia
- Agency: The Law Office of John A. Griecci
- Agent Eric J. Aagaard, Esq.
- Main IPC: B64D27/24
- IPC: B64D27/24 ; B64D27/00

Abstract:
Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel cell compresses ambient air for an oxidizer, and operates with the fuel and oxidizer at pressures below one atmosphere.
Public/Granted literature
- US20120104163A1 Hydrogen powered aircraft Public/Granted day:2012-05-03
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