摘要:
A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a deflated second airship, launching the cargo airship, inflating the second airship with lifting gas carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.
摘要:
A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a deflated second airship, launching the cargo airship, inflating the second airship with lifting gas carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.
摘要:
In one example, a long endurance airship system includes a payload airship and a first logistics airship mechanically joined to the payload airship to form a first combined airship, the payload airship and the logistics airship having design capabilities differing by at least a factor of two with regard to at least one of: power generation capability, propulsion capability, endurance capability, and lift capability, in which the first combined airship is free flying, lighter-than-air, and configured to maintain stationkeeping for greater than 30 days. Illustrative methods for long endurance airship operations are also provided.
摘要:
In one example, a free-flying tethered airship system includes an upper airship adapted to tailor its lift and drag, a lower airship adapted to tailor its lift and drag, and a tether connecting the upper airship to the lower airship such that the upper airship is at least one kilometer above the lower airship. The upper airship is configured to be equiliberally buoyant, while carrying the tether, in a first altitude range. The lower airship is configured to be equiliberally buoyant in a second altitude range, the first altitude range being higher than the second altitude range. A method for stationkeeping of a free-flying tethered airship system is also provided.
摘要:
In one example, a long endurance airship system includes a payload airship and a first logistics airship mechanically joined to the payload airship to form a first combined airship, the payload airship and the logistics airship having design capabilities differing by at least a factor of two with regard to at least one of: power generation capability, propulsion capability, endurance capability, and lift capability, in which the first combined airship is free flying, lighter-than-air, and configured to maintain aloft for greater than 30 days without physical connection to the ground. Illustrative methods for long endurance airship operations are also provided.