Abstract: An inflatable airship of predetermined volume is filled with gas to lift a predetermined weight to a predetermined high altitude. An elevator module is releasably secured to a gondola attached to the airship. A cable of a length at least equal to the deployment altitude of the airship has a first end attached to the elevator module and a second end attached to a winch mounted on the gondola. The airship is raised with the elevator module anchored to the ground and the cable is unwound from the winch as the airship rises. Once the desired operating altitude is reached, the winch is reversed to wind the cable onto the winch and raise the elevator module to the gondola.

Abstract: A noise suppressor for attachment to the aft end of an existing turbojet engine. The noise suppressor includes a free-running turbofan wheel which includes a turbine section mounted for reaction to the exhaust gas from the jet engine, and a concentric outer fan section extending within an air duct concentric with the turbofan wheel. The jet exhaust from normal operation of the jet engine spins the free-running turbofan wheel, and the fan section of that wheel produces a flow of compressed air through the duct to surround and mix with the jet exhaust, thereby reducing the noise emission of the jet engine. A thrust reverser and an afterburner are optional for use with the noise suppressor.

Abstract: By employing in-line gas turbine power plants in the nose and tail of a low profile highly streamlined aircraft, twin engine reliability is obtained with only a single engine frontal area combined with the employment of strakes rather than pipes for the nose engine exhaust, excellent fuel economy is obtained. While a nose mounted turboprop serves as the main power supply, a tail mounted turbojet with only a small fraction of the turboprop horsepower provides a supplementary power source during take-off or optionally to enhance cruise performance. Should the turboprop fail in flight the turbojet is capable of taking over at a reduced cruising speed. A fuel system common to both engines offers additional safety features and an improved method for effecting proper trim with either or both engines operative.