Abstract: A lightweight, high power density, fault-tolerant fuel cell system, method, and apparatus for full-scale clean fuel electric-powered aircraft having a fuel cell module including a plurality of fuel cells working together to process gaseous oxygen from air compressed by turbochargers, superchargers, blowers or local oxygen supply and gaseous hydrogen from liquid hydrogen transformed by heat exchangers, with an electrical circuit configured to collect electrons from the plurality of hydrogen fuel cells to supply voltage and current to motor controllers commanded by autopilot control units configured to select and control an amount and distribution of electrical voltage and torque or current for each of the plurality of motor and propeller assemblies, wherein electrons returning from the electrical circuit combine with oxygen in the compressed air to form oxygen ions, then the protons combine with oxygen ions to form H2O molecules and heat.

Abstract: A paradrone includes a canopy having a parafoil, a transverse canopy frame coupled to the parafoil to support the parafoil, a longitudinal canopy frame that is coupled to the parafoil while having a bent structure such that the parafoil generates a lift, and at least one parafoil connecting portion for connecting at least one canopy frame among the transverse canopy frame and the longitudinal canopy frame to the parafoil. The paradrone also includes a servomotor portion having a servomotor body and a servomotor arm for coupling and fixing intersecting parts of the transverse canopy frame and the longitudinal canopy frame. The servomotor arm is connected to a servomotor body and rotated in a predetermined direction by driving of the servomotor body to change the angle between the travelling direction of the paradrone fuselage and the transverse and longitudinal canopy frames, thereby changing the angle of attack.

Abstract: An aircraft that includes a fuselage, an electric motor driven propulsion system, and a fuel cell system configured to provide electricity to the electric motor. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, an air channel, and a cathode switch. The cathode switch being configured to convert between an air mode, wherein the fuel cell operates utilizing air from the air channel, and an oxygen mode, wherein the fuel cell operates utilizing oxygen from the oxygen tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an energy management system suitable for a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle and a control method thereof, which are used for an aerospace vehicle energy system. The system comprises a photovoltaic module, an MPPT controller, a first DC-DC circuit, a battery pack, a first anti-reverse circuit, a second DC-DC circuit, a second anti-reverse circuit, an ESC, a BLDC, an on-board controller, a communication link and a voltage stabilizing module. During cruising, the battery pack directly supplies power to the ESC through the first anti-reverse circuit; when high-power power output is needed, the battery pack supplies power to the ESC through the second DC-DC circuit and the second anti-reverse circuit in sequence, wherein the output voltage of the second DC-DC circuit and the accelerator signal input of the ESC are controlled by the on-board controller.

Abstract: A system for an aircraft includes an engine bleed source of a gas turbine engine. The system also includes a means for chilling an engine bleed air flow from the engine bleed source to produce a chilled working fluid. The system further includes a means for providing the chilled working fluid for an aircraft use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

Abstract: Provided is a flying body comprising an antenna for forming a communication area by a beam irradiated toward the ground to provide wireless communication service for a user terminal in the communication area; and an attachment/detachment part configured to physically attach to and detach from another flying body for combining with and separating from another flying body. Provided is also a flying body comprising an antenna for forming a communication area by a beam irradiated toward the ground to provide wireless communication service for a user terminal in the communication area; a cable having an attachment/detachment part configured to physically attach to and detach from another flying body; a cable communication unit configured to communicate with another flying body via the cable; and an electric power transmission unit configured to transmit electric power with another flying body via the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for environmental control of an aircraft cabin (5), comprising a device for bleeding compressed air from at least one aircraft engine; an air cycle turbine engine (20) comprising at least one supercharger (21) connected to said device for bleeding compressed air by an air bleed duct (7) and a turbine (22) connected to the cabin (5) by a cabin inlet duct (8) in order to be able to supply said cabin with air at a controlled pressure and temperature, characterised in that it further comprises: stationary blading (23) which has a variable injection cross section and is mounted on said turbine (22) of said air cycle turbine engine (20) so as to be able to modify, on command, the flow rate and/or the pressure of air supplying an air inlet of said turbine (22); and a second supercharger (22) which is mounted on said air cycle turbine engine (20) and is connected to a device for bleeding outside air and to said bleed duct.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat engine 10 comprising: a heat exchanger 12 to transfer heat from a heat source 100 to a working fluid; a positive displacement expander 16 configured to receive inlet working fluid from the heat exchanger 12 and discharge expanded working fluid as a multiphase fluid so that there is an overall volumetric expansion ratio between the expanded working fluid and the inlet working fluid which is a function of an inlet dryness of the inlet working fluid; a variable expansion valve 14 disposed between the heat exchanger 12 and the expander 16, the valve being configured to introduce a variable pressure drop in the working fluid to vary the inlet dryness; and a controller 30 configured to maintain the overall volumetric expansion ratio by controlling the valve 14 to compensate for variable heat transfer to or from the working fluid.

Abstract: A process for cooperative aerial inter-antenna beamforming for communication between (a) multiple moving platforms, each platform having an aerial antenna mounted thereon, such that the aerial antennas have variable positions and orientations over time, and (b) at least one user antenna mounted on user equipment having a lower altitude than the aerial antennas; the process involving a first beamforming operation which beamforming operation involves; transmitting data relating to the positions and orientations of the aerial antennas to a processing system, the processing system calculating and transmitting beamforming instructions to the aerial antennas, the aerial antennas thereby transmitting or receiving respective component signals for each user antenna, the component signals for each user antenna having essentially the same information content but differing in their phase and usually amplitude, so as to form a cooperative beam from the cooperative sum of the signals between the aerial antennas and the use

Abstract: A process for cooperative aerial inter-antenna beamforming for communication between (a) multiple moving platforms, each platform having an aerial antenna mounted thereon, such that one or more aerial antennas have variable positions and orientations over time, and (b) first and second antennas connected to user equipment having a lower altitude than the aerial antennas; the process involving transmitting data relating to the positions and orientations of the aerial antennas to a processing system, the processing system calculating and transmitting beamforming instructions to the aerial antennas, the aerial antennas thereby transmitting or receiving respective first component signals for the first user antenna, and transmitting or receiving respective second component signals for the second user antenna, the first component signals each having essentially the same information content but differing in their phase and usually amplitude, the second component signals each having essentially the same information c

Abstract: An example method of cooling a compressor of a gas turbine includes, among other things, diverting a flow from a compressor, and directing the flow at the compressor in a direction, the direction having a circumferential component and an axial component.

Abstract: A canopy for a vehicle, such as an electric bicycle, comprises a front assembly, a rear assembly, and a photovoltaic panel operative to charge the vehicle's batteries. The front and rear assemblies comprise struts which may be curved to make the canopy more aesthetic. The assemblies comprise struts which may be curved to any arbitrary shape such as circular or elliptical. The photovoltaic panel may be made from flexible material to accommodate the curved shape of the assemblies. The canopy may further include an output power controller to control the output power of the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing and operating a solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least two controllers, at least two electronic speed controllers and at least two motors, wherein: the at least two electronic speed controllers are electrically connected with the at least two controllers to obtain at least two sets of control data respectively from the at least two controllers, select optimal control data from the at least two sets of control data, and control a rotation speed of the corresponding motor according to the optimal control data. The present disclosure further discloses a data processing method of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The electronic speed controllers of the present disclosure may be able to receive data directly from the controllers and select the optimal control data for controlling the rotation speed of the motors, thereby effectively reducing design costs and safety risks.

Abstract: A lubrication system and method for an engine are provided. In some embodiments, the lubrication method comprises driving a lube pump with a gearbox in a power drive housing, the gearbox including an expander shaft of an expander of a waste heat recovery system; suctioning lubrication fluid, with the lube pump, from a lube sump in the power drive housing; lubricating, with the lubrication fluid, an expander shaft bearing supporting the expander; and after lubricating the expander shaft bearing, transferring the lubrication fluid to the lube sump.waste heat recovery power drive and lubrication system therefor.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling a heat-dissipating device in a vehicle with a fuselage, a passenger cabin, and a region pneumatically communicating with the previously mentioned, which region is situated outside the passenger cabin. At least one heat exchanger is provided for transferring heat of the heat-dissipating device to air, and at least one air conveying device for conveying air through the heat exchanger. The air conveying device is designed to convey air from the passenger cabin to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is designed to subject the inflowing air to heat of the heat-dissipating device and to dissipate it to the region situated outside the passenger cabin, thus inducing mixing of the air that has been subjected to heat with the air present in the outside region, and inducing a return flow from the outside region to the passenger cabin by way of their pneumatic connection.

Abstract: A valve device controls the air intake for a compressor of a vehicle. The valve device includes a valve housing having a first compressed air inlet for connecting to an ambient air infeed, a second compressed air inlet for connecting to a charge air infeed, through which pre-compressed air can be fed, and a compressed air outlet for connecting to the compressor. The valve device includes a first switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the first compressed air inlet, and a second switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the second compressed air inlet. The valve device includes a switching device capable of switching the valve device between the first switched and the second switched state.

Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air conditioner is disclosed, the outdoor unit characterized by: a case (100) formed with an air suction port (110) sucking air from outside and an air discharge port (120) discharging the sucked air; a first blowing fan (200) formed inside the case (100) for discharging the air sucked from the air suction port (110) to the air discharge port (120); and a second blowing fan (300) formed inside the case (100) and positioned on the same axis of the first blowing fan (200) for rotating in an opposite direction of the first blowing fan (200), such that generation of cavitation of a blowing fan is limited to greatly reduce noise and vibration.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a turbocharger assembly, comprising: a turbocharger; one or more actuators for controlling a flow of fluid in, around, or associated with the operation of the turbocharger; control electronics for use in controlling actuation of the one or more actuators; and boost electronics configured to receive an input voltage, and to provide a boosted output voltage to the control electronics.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling bleed air flow into an air cycle machine that includes a bleed air inlet and a conditioned air outlet is provided. The system and method include discharging bleed air from an operating gas turbine engine, sensing exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of the gas turbine engine, sensing conditioned air temperature at the conditioned air outlet, and controlling bleed air flow into the air cycle machine based on the sensed EGT and on the sensed conditioned air temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for an aircraft, at least comprising a battery for storing electrical energy, an electric motor for driving a propeller, a conducting means for transferring the electrical energy from the battery to the electric motor, and a first control means for controlling the electric motor. The invention is characterized in that: the battery is a lithium-air battery; the electric motor is a high-temperature superconductor motor; at least one store is provided for a coolant and a cooling system which is connected to the store for cooling the high-temperature superconductor motor, the cooling system comprising a second control means for controlling the cooling system; a first means is provided for variably arranging the lithium-air battery and/or a second means is provided for variably arranging the store in the aircraft; and a third control means is provided for controlling the first and/or the second means.

Abstract: A high-altitude aircraft powerplant including an engine, a two-stage turbocharger having an intercooler and an aftercooler, a cryogenic hydrogen fuel source, and a cooling system including a hydrogen heat exchanger. Aided by a ram-air cooler that cools a coolant to a near-ambient temperature, the heat exchanger is configured to heat the hydrogen using the coolant, and to cool the coolant to a temperature well below the ambient temperature during high-altitude flight. The intercooler and aftercooler use the sub-ambient temperature coolant, as does a separate sensor. The ram-air cooler includes a front portion and a rear portion. The cooling system includes three cooling loops which respectively incorporate only the front portion, only the rear portion, and both portions of the ram-air cooler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for unmanned long endurance flights are provided herein. In some embodiments, a lightweight solar wing for unmanned aircraft may include at least one airfoil profile, a top surface, a bottom surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, wing tips, and at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein the surfaces and edges follow an arched bow shape across a span of the wing. In some embodiments, an unmanned solar-powered aircraft may include at least one lightweight solar wing as described above, at least one fuselage, and at least one propeller, wherein the fuselage is placed below the solar wing and contains an electric motor, battery, and electronics.

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.

Abstract: A full time lean air fuel mixture running spark ignited air cooled aircraft piston engine. In one embodiment, a drop-in substitution is provided for an equivalent make, model, and engine size, wherein the new, rebuilt, or reconfigured engine provides as much or more horsepower when compared to the original engine, but runs at a lean air fuel ratio condition during normal operating modes, including takeoff, climb, and cruise, thus saving significantly on fuel. In yet another embodiment, a drop-in substitution having a somewhat larger cylinder displacement volume may be provided to attain equivalent or enhanced maximum horsepower while operating at lean air fuel ratios. Enhanced engine life may be anticipated, since cylinder head temperatures (CHTs) may be reduced, compared to engines using rich air fuel ratios for climb and cruise conditions. Aircraft using such engines are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine for use in operating an aircraft is disclosed, the engine comprising a decomposition chamber configured to decompose into at least one combustible constituent element a first chemically unstable substance in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the decomposition of the first chemically unstable substance releases a first amount of heat; a first turbine configured to accept the constituent elements and the first amount of heat from the decomposition chamber and thereby rotate; a compressor rotationally connected to the first turbine, and configured to compress air when the first turbine rotates; and a combustion chamber configured to accept the compressed air and constituent elements and combust the combination, substantially regardless of an altitude above sea level and ambient air pressure, and output the combustion products into a power turbine, causing it to rotate, whereby the rotation of the first turbine and/or the power turbine rotate a propeller rotationally coupled to the first and power tur

Abstract: A high-altitude aircraft powerplant including an engine, a two-stage turbocharger having an intercooler and an aftercooler, a cryogenic hydrogen fuel source, and a cooling system including a hydrogen heat exchanger. Aided by a ram-air cooler that cools a coolant to a near-ambient temperature, the heat exchanger is configured to heat the hydrogen using the coolant, and to cool the coolant to a temperature well below the ambient temperature during high-altitude flight. The intercooler and aftercooler use the sub-ambient temperature coolant, as does a separate sensor. The ram-air cooler includes a front portion and a rear portion. The cooling system includes three cooling loops which respectively incorporate only the front portion, only the rear portion, and both portions of the ram-air cooler.

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.

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. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.

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. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.

Abstract: A device for issuing authorization to act on the operating conditions of an aircraft engine and engine control system includes a first unit for determining particular parameters concerning the aircraft, including the position of a power lever controlling the supply of fuel to the engine, and a second unit for determining, based on the particular parameters, whether the aircraft is in a state authorizing an action on the operating conditions of the engine and for issuing, as the case may be, a corresponding authorization signal.

Abstract: Hydrogen powered air vehicles that in some embodiments can fly with very long endurance (10 or more days) at altitudes over 60,000 ft carrying payloads of up to 2,000 pounds. Embodiments may include features such as large wingspan relative to fuselage and an all composite or partial composite structure for light weight and strength. The aircraft of the invention use one or more internal combustion engines adapted for hydrogen combustion, each engine driving propellers. The hydrogen fuel is stored on board in containers, located within the fuselage, as a cryogenic liquid, and is vaporized in a heat exchanger before delivery to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Testing of an aircraft pressure control system may be performed without use of an altitude chamber. Aircraft cabin configuration date may be modeled and used, along with high resolution positional feedback from a simulated valve, to produce a high resolution electrical signal that may represent a simulated cabin pressure. A voltage-to-pressure transducer may convert the electrical signal to a pneumatic signal. The pneumatic signal may be employed to operate a cabin-pressure controller under test. The controller may operate an outflow valve actuator and an attached potentiometer. The potentiometer may produce a feedback signal and closed-loop testing of the aircraft pressure control system may thus be performed. The outflow valve actuator may be operated without being attached to an outflow valve because a simulated aerodynamic load may be applied to the actuator.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

Abstract: A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells.

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. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.

Abstract: A reversible aerospace plane includes an air intake at a first end of the aerospace plane, at least one heat exchanger disposed in the aerospace plane, an engine at a second end of the aerospace plane, wherein the aerospace plane is configured to accelerate in a first direction and configured to glide and land in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially in a reverse direction from the first direction.

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. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

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. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for a dual-mode propulsion system. During the first mode of operation, intake air is liquefied through a cooling heat exchanger and condenser using a combination of stored liquid hydrogen (LH2) and stored liquid nitrogen (LN2) as coolants. The liquefied air is then separated into separated liquid oxygen (SLO2) and separated liquid nitrogen (SLN2), which may contain molecules of each other or other elements commonly found in air. The stored liquid nitrogen is replaced with SLO2, while the SLN2 is pumped back through the system with the stored nitrogen in a regeneration process. The SLN2, LN2, and LH2 become gaseous as they pass through the condenser and heat exchanger and are burned in the dual mode rocket thrust chamber to produce thrust. In the second mode, the same thrust chamber is operated as a liquid hydrogen-oxygen rocket, where the liquid oxygen is the SLO2 collected during the first mode.

Abstract: Electrically powered aircraft having fuel cells as at least a partial source of electrical energy. In many instances the electrical energy powers an electric motor used to propel the aircraft. In some instances, the electric output from the fuel cell would be augmented by power from special high power “surge” batteries for critical takeoff and climbing, where the maximum electric power is required. In preferred embodiments, such fuel cell powered aircraft will supply oxygen to the fuel cell either from a container of oxygen carried on board the aircraft, or from a ram scoop which directs air through which the aircraft is moving to the fuel cell.

Abstract: Electrically powered aircraft having fuel cells as at least a partial source of electrical energy. In many instances the electrical energy powers an electric motor used to propel the aircraft. In some instances, the electric output from the fuel cell would be augmented by power from special high power “surge” batteries for critical takeoff and climbing, where the maximum electric power is required. In preferred embodiments, such fuel cell powered aircraft will supply oxygen to the fuel cell either from a container of oxygen carried on board the aircraft, or from a ram scoop which directs air through which the aircraft is moving to the fuel cell.

Abstract: Increased efficiency of operation in pressurized aircraft may be obtained by employing pressurized air to be discharged from an aircraft cabin 10 as combustion air by applying it to the inlet 42 of a cycle compressor 40 whereat it is compressed before being fed to a combustor 52. Fuel from a source 64 is combusted within the combustor 52 and drives a high pressure turbine 48 as well as a low pressure turbine 30, either one of which may drive a load 56, 58 to provide electrical power for the aircraft. In addition, a load compressor 20 provides air to an environmental control system including an ECS turbo machine 88 and a bypass 110 for delivering conditioned air to the cabin 10.

Abstract: A novel energy producing flexible material is provided particularly suited for high altitude and stratospheric applications. The flexible energy producing covering includes a flexible solar cell layer, a flexible substrate which preferably matches the shape and size of the airship gore as well and an electrically conductive conduit disposed in a flexible electrically non-conductive adhesive connecting the flexible solar cell substrate to the airship substrate. Preferably two electrically conductive conduits are provided between the substrate layer and the flexible solar cell layer with the electrically conductive conduits being insulated from one another by the non-conductive adhesive. The novel process provided by the invention for joining the airship substrate to the flexible solar cell substrate includes heat, pressure and the selection of substrate materials and in certain applications the use of a vacuum.

Abstract: An aircraft has at least one drive motor coupled to first and second propellers for forward thrust of the aircraft. The first propeller is dimensioned for takeoff and landing conditions and for flight conditions below a predetermined first flight altitude. The second propeller has a radius which is larger than a radius of the first propeller and is dimensioned for a second flight altitude which is substantially greater than the first flight altitude. The two propellers are alternatingly coupled with the at least one drive motor so that the two propellers are respectively individually adapted to the power of the at least one drive motor for a full utilization of the power of the at least one drive motor for forward thrust.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling components of an airplane engine at least partially operated by a cryogenically stored propellant via cooling air includes an air supply line for supplying the cooling air from an outside environment. A heat exchanger exchanges the cooling air with the propellant to precool the cooling air and includes a condenser having an in-flow and an out-flow side connected to the air supply line for precooling the cooling air. A pump is coupled to a cooling air line for conveying the precooled air in a liquid or vapor state to the components to be cooled wherein the cryogenically stored propellant acts upon the condenser. A propellant tank is connected to the in-flow side of the condenser and stores the cryogenically stored propellant, wherein the out-flow side of the condenser is connected to at least one combustion system of the airplane engine.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system includes a propeller for propelling the aircraft, an electric motor for driving the propeller, and an electrochemical fuel cell for receiving an oxidizer and providing propulsion power to the electric motor. An air liquefaction system is used for receiving ambient air and providing oxidizer to the fuel cell. Preferably, at low altitude, the air liquefaction system provides oxidizer to the fuel cell and to an oxidizer fuel tank. Then, during high altitude excursions, the oxidizer is provided to the fuel cell from the oxidizer fuel tank. When the oxidizer tank is empty, the aircraft returns to a lower altitude where extraction of oxidizer from the atmosphere is resumed.