Abstract: A fluid-operated energy absorber has an annular axle shaft and bearing assembly connected to the rotor shaft adjacent to a hollow compartment in the base of the rotor shaft. The annular assembly is interconnected by segmented plates. Opposite rotor vanes on each axle are disposed on different sides of the segmented plates. A pair of cam plates in the hollow shaft compartment engage cranks on the inner ends of the axle shafts for varying the angle of the vanes. The cam plates are actuated by a control rod extending out through the hollow center of the rotor shaft, which is pushed or pulled by a lead screw on the outer end of the rotor shaft to vary the angle of the vanes.

Abstract: Various modifications are disclosed of the composite aircraft, which is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,236 by this same inventor. The control console is supported from the center of the upper rotating balloon sphere instead of its south pole to reduce the periodic motion of the console about its point of attachment to the sphere. The console is supported from the center of an inner framework through a tapered indentation in the bottom of the sphere. A lift command control system determines the angle of attack of each wing about the periphery of the sphere to provide the force required to generate movement of the sphere in a preselected direction. If the wing experiences a gust, the force reaction compels the wing to seek a different angle of attack to keep the new force in balance with the command force exerted by the control on the wing to automatically provide gust control. A pneumatic lift command control system is illustrated.