Abstract: An air vehicle for lifting loads generates lift forces from helium gas within a torus-shaped envelope having a central passageway, and from a fan arrangement designed to direct air downwardly through the passageway. Lateral propulsion units are provided on the envelope. In one embodiment, the fan arrangement comprises two fans carried by a saddle supported on the envelope, while in another embodiment a single fan is carried by a gondola suspended from the envelope.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 29, 1985
Date of Patent:
August 11, 1987
Assignee:
Hystar Aerospace Development Corporation