Abstract: An Aerial Vehicle (AV) can be used to deliver and pick up payloads. Operators of such enterprises must be ready to deliver different payloads over different ranges. Prior art would require such operators to maintain a fleet with vehicles of different sizes. Small rotary wing UAVs (RWAVs) popular in the mass market are disproportionately less expensive than large UAVs. This Scalable Multiple Element Rotary Wing Aerial Vehicle (SMERWAV) invention enables operators to meet diverse requirements with a fleet comprised of only one or two different vehicle models. Particular interest is in Rotary Wing AVs such as quadrotor UAVs. SMERWAV elements are connected to enable various missions while an operator operates only one integrated AV at a time. One embodiment SMERWAV is a “Quad-Quad” comprised of four quad-rotor AVs. Optimal configurations are selected using a method disclosed herein. SMERWAV enables low operating cost, redundancy, failure tolerance and interoperability.

Abstract: A method is described to stabilize a reflector in the upper atmosphere to reflect solar irradiance before it can be absorbed or scattered by Earth's atmosphere or surface. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. This invention uses rotational motion to hold sheets stretched by centrifugal means while enabling the generation of aerodynamic lift. During the daytime solar power is used to store rotational and potential energy. During the night the low disc loading of the rotor system facilitates gliding flight without descending into controlled airspace.

Abstract: A method is described to stabilize a reflector in the upper atmosphere to reflect solar irradiance back into Space before it can be absorbed or scattered by Earth's atmosphere. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. This embodiment uses buoyant aerostatic lift and pneumatic pressure to support and hold sheets stretched while providing aerostatic lift. During the daytime solar power is used to provide energy for propulsion and gain altitude by volume expansion. During the night the aerostatic lift holds the system above controlled airspace. Edgewise gliding permits seasonal movement of the system and station-keeping. In one example application, a swarm of aerostatically stabilized reflectors placed around the edge of the Antarctic continent will reduce summer melting of ice, in order to reverse the rise in sea level.

Abstract: A method is described to reduce Global Warming by reflecting solar irradiance. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. Two general embodiments use translational and/or rotational motion of the sheets to hold sheets stretched while providing aerodynamic lift, while a third uses buoyant aerostatic lift. During the daytime solar power is used. During the night the low wing loading of the sheets facilitates gliding flight without descending into controlled airspace. Sheets can be arrayed to increase aspect ratio and decrease induced drag. By following the summer sun, effectiveness is increased. A swarm of reflectors around the south Polar Circle can reduce summer melting of ice enough to reverse the rise in sea level.

Abstract: A method is described to stabilize a reflector in the upper atmosphere to reflect solar irradiance before it can be absorbed or scattered by Earth's atmosphere or surface. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. This invention uses rotational motion to hold sheets stretched by centrifugal means while enabling the generation of aerodynamic lift. During the daytime solar power is used to store rotational and potential energy. During the night the low disc loading of the rotor system facilitates gliding flight without descending into controlled airspace.

Abstract: A method is described to reduce Global Warming by reflecting solar irradiance. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. Two general embodiments use translational and/or rotational motion of the sheets to hold sheets stretched while providing aerodynamic lift, while a third uses buoyant aerostatic lift. During the daytime solar power is used. During the night the low wing loading of the sheets facilitates gliding flight without descending into controlled airspace. Sheets can be arrayed to increase aspect ratio and decrease induced drag. By following the summer sun, effectiveness is increased. A swarm of reflectors around the south Polar Circle can reduce summer melting of ice enough to reverse the rise in sea level.