Abstract: An automatic buoyancy controller is disclosed for management of lift in thermal airship 20. Data from envelope air temperature sensor 34 and ambient air temperature sensor 38 are input to difference processor 46 which transmits the calculated difference signal 48 to process controller 50/92. Comparing the operator selected difference temperature setpoint value 52 to difference signal 48, process controller 50/92 controls heater 44 operation in a way in which will equalize the comparison, thereby fixing the operator selected value of lift.

Abstract: A collapsible airship batten assembly (20) is disclosed for airships (22). The assembly (20) is deployed upon inflation of the containment chamber, and is freely collapsible during the deflation process. The preferred embodiment includes the folding nose batten assembly (20), comprising a central deployment guide beam (50), a spoke hinge hub (56) rigidly affixed to the aft end of the central beam (50), a set of spokes (58), the first ends of which are adjustably connected to and emanating out from the spoke hinge hub (56), a nose spar hinge hub (46) slidably mounted on the central beam (50) for movement along the length of the beam (50), a set of nose spars (42), the first ends of which are attached to the exterior of the airship skin (36) and adjustably connected to the seconds ends of the spokes (58), and the second ends of the nose spars (42) translate inwardly to movably connect with the nose spar hinge hub (46).