Abstract:
The present invention is a variable geometry lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft that is adapted to morph its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The basic structure is a semi rigid airship with movable longerons. Movement of the longerons adjusts the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes of the lifting-body. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft to alter the flight characteristics. The transformation may be accomplished while the craft is airborne and does not require any ground support equipment.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the field of aviation, and specifically to aircraft structures. The present hybrid aircraft comprises an aerostat with a rigid frame, ballonets with helium, a suspension system, and a bearing platform with a cargo/passenger cabin. The cabin includes controls, engines, electrical equipment and measurement devices. The aerostat is composed of two envelopes connected by a cylindrical hinge and provided with affixing elements, controlling the rotation of which allows for changing and securing the aerostat in the form of a wing or in the form of an A-shape with an opened fairing. The suspension system includes rigid and flexible connections and is capable of being transformed and secured. The stationing and securing of the device in a stable position can be carried out on a sloped solid ground surface, on a water surface, or on a vertical structure.
Abstract:
An aircraft comprising a hydrogen-containing envelope, a water-collection system for collecting water from the envelope, an electrolyzer to convert the water collected using the water-collection system into hydrogen, and a hydrogen-replenishment system for replenishing the envelope with hydrogen generated using the electrolyzer. In one embodiment, generated hydrogen is also supplied to a hydrogen-fuelled propulsion system for propulsion of the aircraft.
Abstract:
An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship.
Abstract:
An air vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a propulsion assembly. The vehicle body has the shape of a wing airfoil to generate lift when air flows over the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a body longitudinal axis and substantially planar port and starboard sides of composite material, and includes first and second hulls that are secured together side-by-side, the hulls having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the body longitudinal axis and two substantially planar side walls at least one of which is of composite material. Each hull defines a separate fluid chamber that is filled with a fluid that is at least partially buoyant. The propulsion assembly is secured to the vehicle body port and starboard sides. The propulsion assembly includes port front and rear engines and starboard front and rear engines, wherein at least two of the engines have independently controlled thrust vectors.
Abstract:
An airship is presented having a plurality of resilient gas bags and gas containers, a straight fuselage tubular hull, with an inner air passageway and propulsion system located therein, and, connecting air inlet, and outlet funnels fore, and aft, with air deflector cones axially positioned therein. The ship also contains propulsion, reverse, and directional rocket thrusters, in addition to typical airship components.
Abstract:
An airship or airborne station comprises a gas-containing envelope for containing a lifting gas, solar panels on the envelope for providing electric power to an energy storage system, and an external display screen powered by the energy storage system. This airship or airborne station enables novel methods of using the airship or airborne station to display digital content, to sell or auction ad space on the display screen to the highest bidder, to display information for events, crowds, rescue operations, or to interact digitally with a group of wireless communications devices. Furthermore, the airship or airborne station acts as a communication and media hub for uploading user-generated content, relaying communications from wireless devices, broadcasting content or interactive media.
Abstract:
An aircraft comprising a hydrogen-containing envelope, a water-collection system for collecting water from the envelope, an electrolyser to convert the water collected using the water-collection system into hydrogen, and a hydrogen-replenishment system for replenishing the envelope with hydrogen generated using the electrolyser. In one embodiment, generated hydrogen is also supplied to a hydrogen-fuelled propulsion system for propulsion of the aircraft.
Abstract:
An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship.
Abstract:
An improved airship having a plurality of resilient gasbags & gas containers, a straight fuselage tubular hull with an inner air passageway & propulsion means located therein, connecting air inlet & outlet funnels fore & aft, with air deflector cones axially positioned therein, and a plurality of bifurcated winged air control surfaces axially affixed vertically & horizontally across the air inlet & outlet funnels fore & aft; further, a plurality of vectored air passageways & mechanisms, and propulsion, reverse, & directional rocket thrusters, positioned fore & aft, top, bottom, port & starboard; thereby providing improved speed, maneuverability, efficiency, adverse weather capability, reduced forward air resistance, & rearward drag; furthermore space, outer & inner atmosphere ingress & egress.