Abstract: A propulsion system for a non-rigid and at least semi-buoyant vehicle, the vehicle including a pressure stabilized gasbag having a gondola mounted on the bottom thereof. The gasbag further includes catenary curtains extending from the top of gasbag to the bottom of the gasbag and attached thereto. In detail, the propulsion system includes a first pair of tubular members attached, preferably pivotally attached, by one of their ends to the gondola and which extend through the air bag and exit out the top thereof and having propulsion units, preferably turbo-prop engines, attached to their opposite ends. A second pair of tubular members is attached by one of their ends to the gondola, preferably pivotally attached, and extends into the gasbag and having their opposite ends terminating therewithin. A horizontal tubular member extends through the gasbag and has its ends extending out of the sides thereof and is attached to the opposite ends of the second pair of tubular members in the middle thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure stabilized inflated air transport vehicle having means for limiting crack propagation in the hull envelope whereby leakage of the gas in the haul due to the crack will not exceed the gas pressure maintaining means.

Abstract: A non-ridged semi-buoyant vehicle includes a pressure stabilized gasbag having a longitudinal, vertical and horizontal axis, top, bottom and side surfaces and front and rear ends and an aerodynamic shape capable of producing lift. Within the gasbag are first and second vertical catenary curtains attached to the top and bottom surfaces between the sides of the gasbag. These first and second catenary curtains are positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis extending from the front end along a first portion of the gasbag. A pair of first and second Y shaped catenary curtains are coupled to the first and second vertical catenary curtains and extend along a second portion of the gasbag. The arms of each of the Y shaped curtains are attached to the top surface and the legs are attached to the bottom surface of the gasbag. First and second pairs of vertical catenary curtains are coupled to the first and second pairs of Y shaped catenary curtains, respectively, and extend to the rear end of said gasbag.

Abstract: The invention is a non-ridged, semi-buoyant vehicle. In detail, the invention includes a pressure stabilized gasbag having front and rear ends and an aerodynamic shape capable of producing lift, and longitudinal, vertical and horizontal axis, the tail end of the gasbag extending outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward said front end at an acute angle to the horizontal axis. A horizontal tail surface is mounted outboard of the rear end of the gasbag, having a trailing edge extending outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward the front end at the acute angle to the horizontal axis. A horizontal ridged beam is mounted outboard of the rear end of the gasbag that extends outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward the front end at the acute angle to the horizontal axis with the horizontal tail surface mounted to the beam. The preferred acute angle is approximately 20 degrees.

Abstract: The invention is a propulsion system for a lighter-than-air vehicle. In detail the propulsion system includes a pylon having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the first end of the pylon rotatably mounted to the vehicle and the second end extending outward from the vehicle. The pylon is rotatable about the first end in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A thrust producing assembly is mounted on the second end of the pylon and is rotatable about an axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pylon. A powerplant assembly is coupled to the thrust producing assemblies to provide power thereto. An actuation system is provided for rotating the assembly about the axis of rotation. A second actuation system is provided for rotating the pylon about the first end.

Abstract: The invention is a ballonet system for a lighter-than-air-vehicle, the vehicle having a lift producing gasbag and a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the ballonet system includes a plurality of ballonets located within the gasbag positioned along the longitudinal axis and on each side of the vertical axis of the vehicle. Each of the ballonets include a flexible sheet joined at its periphery thereof to a portion of the wall of the gasbag. A ballonet pressurization system is coupled to each ballonet for pressurizing them with air that includes the portion of the wall of the gasbag forming the ballonet having a plurality of holes therethrough. A manifold having an inlet port is joined to the wall covering the holes therein and is adapted to diffuse the pressurized air entering therein. Also included is at least one fan having an inlet port coupled to ambient atmosphere and an outlet port coupled to the inlet port of the manifold for providing pressurized air to the interior thereof.

Abstract: The invention is an aircraft stores extension and retraction system 10 for raising and lowering stores mounted to a stores support assembly 69 along a substantially vertical path 94' of a specified length. The system 10 comprises first and second translating links 40A and 40B, each having first 42A, 42B, second 44A, 44B, and third 46A, 46B pivot supports, forming the corners of a right triangle. The second pivot supports 44A, 44B, are pivotally attached to stores support assembly 69. At least one connecting link 50 is pivotally attached at its first and second ends to the third pivot supports 46A, 46B of the first and second translating links 40A, 40B, respectively. First and second positioning links 30A, 30B are provided, each having first ends 32A, 32B and second ends 35A, 35B.