Abstract: A hybrid airship comprises a non-rigid body having a delta-wing shape and an airfoil cross-section. The body is shaped for generating aerodynamic lift during forward flight, and contains a gas for generating buoyancy lift. At least one splitter plate is pivotally connected along a trailing edge of the body. The splitter plate is configured to be controllably pivoted for controlling the airship.

Abstract: A closed shear flexible panel has upper and lower surfaces each having front ends which define a leading edge and rear edges which define a trailing edge. The rear edges are slideable longitudinally with respect to each other when a torsional force is applied to the panel or a linear force is applied to the rear edges to induce a spanwise gradient pitch in the panel.

Abstract: A microwave-powered aircraft has lifting surfaces for exerting lifting forces on the aircraft in response to the propulsion of the aircraft and a rectenna array for receiving and rectifying microwave energy transmitted to the aircraft from a location remote from the aircraft. An electric motor for driving a propeller is energized by microwave energy received by the rectenna array, which is provided in a body at the underside of the aircraft. The body has its major dimensions extending horizontally and is relatively shallow with a periphery which is vertically curved so as to reduce turbulence in the airstream over the body during flight. The body is separate from the lifting surfaces and shaped to at least substantially avoid the generation of lifting forces by the body.