Abstract: A stratospheric airship includes a nonrigid balloon equipped with a solar generator arranged on the upper part of the nonrigid balloon intended to be illuminated in flight by the sun, the airship comprising: at least one device for managing the position of the centre of gravity of the airship; at least one device for stabilizing the attitude of the airship; and a module for the coupled control of the devices, configured to control the airship, when the speed of travel of the airship with respect to the surrounding air is below a first threshold (S1) and/or the temperature of the solar generator is above a second threshold (S2), in such a way that it rotates by substantially half a turn about its longitudinal axis (AL), so as to protect the solar generator from illumination by the sun.

Abstract: A tensioning method for a tensegrity keel is provided. The method includes the step of determining target values at an attainment of tensegrity. An outline of the integral keel is formed. A middle stiffening ring is tensioned through stretching a hub shaft, thereby attaining a self-equilibrium state. Telescopic rods are provided between stiffening rings and central trusses so that the stiffening rings and the central trusses are connected together. Longitudinal ties are mounted and constraints on bisection points and the central trusses are released and the integral keel is tensioned by stretching the telescopic rods, thereby introducing tension to the longitudinal ties. The lateral stiffening rings are tensioned by stretching the hub shaft, thereby attaining a self-equilibrium state. Adjustments are made using iterative methods so that target values at the attainment of tensegrity will be reached.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing spacecraft includes a body, a plurality of engines provided in the body to produce a jet flow and generate thrust, an abnormal signal acquiring unit that acquires an abnormal signal indicative of a presence of an abnormal engine among the plurality of engines, and an engine control unit that outputs a stop signal that stops a specific engine among a plurality of operating engines based on the abnormal signal.

Abstract: A device and system for transferring information from an avionics system of an aircraft to an independent computer. The device can be embedded onboard an aircraft for transferring information arising from an avionics system from the aircraft to a computer independent of the avionics system. The device includes at least one radiofrequency receiver configured to receive information which arises from the avionics system and is emitted destined for the ground or another aircraft, at least one transmitter, and a processing unit to command the transmission by the transmitter, to the computer, of at least some of the information received by the radiofrequency receiver.

Abstract: Provided are a flight simulation and control method of a unmanned aerial vehicle with regenerative fuel cells and solar cells for high altitude long endurance, and a control apparatus thereof. The high altitude long endurance simulation method for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on regenerative fuel cells and solar cells includes: a variable inputting step of inputting design variables of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on regenerative fuel cells and solar cells; a modeling step of performing modeling of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on regenerative fuel cells and solar cells using the design variables input in the variable inputting step; and an analyzing step of analyzing a modeling result in the modeling step to perform a high altitude long endurance simulation while controlling any one of the design variables input in the variable inputting step.

Abstract: A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability.

Abstract: A system for using solar and wind energy for electricity generation and thermal regulation. The system may include a high altitude wind turbine, which may generate electric power and conduct cold to the ground and the rest of the system. The cold may be conducted to a crystallization tank, which may also include an input for heat, for example from solar energy. Cold and heat from the crystallization tank may then be stored or used to heat or cool one or more buildings. Generated electric power may be used in conjunction with or separately from the heating/cooling system.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a distributed communication payload includes: a payload control electronics module; an air-to-user link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms and end-user devices; and an air-to-air link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms; wherein the air-to-user and air-to-air link modules are subdivided into multiple sections that can be disposed on different airborne platforms.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a distributed communication payload includes: a payload control electronics module; an air-to-user link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms and end-user devices; and an air-to-air link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms; wherein the air-to-user and air-to-air link modules are subdivided into multiple sections that can be disposed on different airborne platforms.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle comprises an elongate envelope within which are at least one first compartment for holding a lighter than air gas and at least one second compartment for holding atmospheric air and said at least one second compartment having an inlet and an outlet and at least one pair of wings extending laterally from the envelope; said wings being planar units with a leading and trailing edge, the width of the wings from their leading edges to their trailing edges being substantially less than the length of the envelope with airfoil portions fitted between the leading and trailing edges of the wing: the top and bottom of the wings are mirror images of one another; in which forward motion of the vehicle is obtainable without trust through alternate diving and climbing motion.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the methods and systems provide for the selection, assembly, deployment, exploitation of data collected, redeployment, retrieval and stowage of a remotely operated lighter than air (LTA) network of vehicles. From modular components stowed with a mobile platform, one or more LTA vehicles can be assembled, deployed and retrieved. Determining the desirable number of LTA vehicles and the modular components to be assembled for each vehicle can be performed through a computer recommending modular components based on mission parameters. A remote controller device can be used for pre-deployment setup, in-flight mission management and analysis of data gathered by a plurality of possible sensing devise operably attached to the one or more LTA vehicles.

Abstract: A super-rigid hybrid airship having a modular structure with a central tube having a diameter of between 5 to 10% of the diameter of the airship, structural rings surrounding and preferably concentric with the central tube and connected to the tube by bolts; an external cover made from thin metal sheets, interspersed with composite resins and fibbers which is pressurized and pre-stressed by light gases and which is rigid, conductive, non-combustible and impermeable to gases; balloons filed with hydrogen and disposed in structural sections defined by neighboring structural rings; at least two interconnected cuffs inflated by atmospheric air serving as operational ballast and ensuring weight, pressure and volume balance of the airship. Preferably the airship has a blower system for dispersing air, arranged on the centerline of the top layer, wings arranged at each side of the fixed sections, and thrust means.

Abstract: An aircraft which is configured for vertically ascending and landing, includes at least two wings (2a, 2b, 4a, 51, 4b, 52), a space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power, and an intermediate portion (3), the intermediate portion (3) being provided with thrust motors (6), and the space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power being provided with a quantity of lifting power units (HV). Each lifting power unit includes a first variable volume (V1) for the storage of an amount of relatively light gas which is lighter than atmospheric air, and is configured for the controllable adjustment of an upward force or lifting power by the variable volume taken up by the amount of relatively light gas.

Abstract: A WIG (wing in ground effect) vessel includes a hull with wings attached. The WIG vessel includes means for propulsion as well as altitude and directional control. The lift of the wings in ground effect is augmented by partial aerostatic lift, achieved through interior gas holding envelopes containing a lighter-than-air gas. The wings have a high mean chord length, for example fourteen meters or more, allowing the vessel to fly in ground effect above water at an altitude where waves are of minimal concern. The vessel has a low wing loading, below 1.5 kg/m2, and the wings are of uniform thickness and have an aspect ratio of less than 1. The conical fore end of the hull forces air below the surface of the wings for ground effect. Weight transfer is used to alter the pitch of the vessel.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle is described which comprises: a first compartment for holding a lighter than air gas; a second compartment for holding atmospheric air and having an inlet and an outlet; a solar panel for converting sunlight into electricity; a compressor for pumping atmospheric air through the inlet into the second compartment; control means for controlling the pitch and yaw of the vehicle; and a controller for controlling the buoyancy of the vehicle via the compressor and the outlet such that the vehicle is either lighter than the surrounding air and rising or heavier than the surrounding air and falling, and for controlling the control means such that the rising and falling motion includes a horizontal component. In another embodiment the solar panel is replaced by an engine and a fuel tank for storing fuel for the engine is also provided. The aerial vehicle can remain airborne for extended periods by using buoyancy propulsion.

Abstract: An airship is disclosed in the form of a spherical hull having a venting duct extending diagonally therethrough from an entrance end at the forward facing surface of the hull to an exit end at the rearward facing surface of the hull. A propeller is disposed in the duct to direct an air flow through the duct for expulsion at the exit end and the exiting flow is vectored by a set of controllable louvers at the exit end. The expulsed airflow reduces drag normally associated with a spherical airship by disturbing the wake at the trailing surface of the airship. A mooring method and apparatus also is disclosed for minimizing wind induced loads on the airship, or indeed on any body such as a gas storage tank, by supporting the airship or other body a predetermined distance above the ground.

Abstract: Provided is a flight device which can utilize headwind and following wind, respond flexibly to changes of wind directions and travel stably. The flight device includes a main body with an air sac. It also includes a forward air resistance changing unit and a backward air resistance changing unit that lies anterior and posterior to the main body in traveling direction, respectively. They are controlled by a controller to change air resistance. As a result, the flight device can travel stably despite wind direction. The flight device further includes a wing tilted vertically which provides driving force without gasoline engine. The driving force is gained from vertical wind caused by changing altitude using air sac. Further, the flight device can select the route toward the destination based on the prediction of changes of winds by prediction device.

Abstract: This invention performs relative positioning, predictive control, and ballast control to achieve very heavy-lifting tasks on land or sea. Such tasks allow station keeping and precise transfer of very heavy payloads between ships underway. This scalable multibody system features three subcomponents: Airship, Skycrane and Loadframe. This semi-autonomous system combines aerodynamic (kinetic) and aerostatic (buoyancy force) lift with efficient power and propulsion. During low-speed flight, the Airship and Skycrane are decoupled but linked via a reelable Tether Control Line. Beneath the Skycrane, centered on its hull, a patented NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RoboCrane, featuring a computer controlled six degrees of freedom (DoF) cabling system, is attached, to precisely suspend and control a Loadframe, with or without payload. During subsonic forward flight, these Airship and Skycrane are coupled as a single airframe: fuselage and delta wing.

Abstract: Symmetric external parts of a front lower aircraft wing sweep forward such that lift generated by a rear upper wing is greater than lift generated by the front lower wing. The rear upper wing is in direct contact with rear upper parts of fuselages. A propulsion system of the aircraft has a turboprop engine and is carried by an internal part of the rear upper wing, with the propulsion system lying in a longitudinal mid-plane.

Abstract: Multi-Mission Frameless Airship Platform (MFAP) leverages composite material science to achieve a frameless lightweight airframe design enabling increased speed, lift and cargo capacity. Deployable/retrievable high-value modules provide enhanced operational and mission flexibility. Unified power electronics enable hybrid integration of propulsion, power generation (e.g. diesel generator, photovoltaic solar, etc.), energy storage and tethered wind-power generation for both on-grid and off-grid electrical power delivery for airborne operations and ground operations. Onboard antenna systems serve as cell phone towers.

Abstract: This invention, the “aerochute,” creates a body suit full of helium and a flexible cloth wing above the user powered by a horizontally-orientated rocket jet pack that the user uses to “fly” through the air through the combination of the lift from the helium and the thrust from a rocket jet pack. The helium suit contains pockets of airtight helium that effectively reduce the weight of the individual, making him lighter and thus more susceptible to being lifted and thrust by the rocket jet pack. The wing is hollow and contains extra helium to give more lift to the user or “aeronaught.” The rocket jet pack gives thrust and direction to the individual flying the helium wing. Working in combination, the body suit with the packets of helium, the hollow wing, and the rocket jet pack combine to give the individual the ability to fly over extended distances at low altitudes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a segmented aerial vehicle with gasbags filled with an energy medium. It refers in particular to an aerial vehicle having interlinked gasbags and/or one big gasbag. This one gasbag or these interlinked gasbags are filled with an energy medium the specific weight of which is approximately the one of air. The energy medium of the gasbags provides energy to the eccentrically placed controllable engines fixed at the segments. The vector thrust produced by the engines and by the vehicle's envelope under excess compression provide sufficient dynamic lift to have the proposed invention fly in a stable and controllable way all in carrying a defined payload, Inside segmented interconnected airbags are placed interconnected segmented gasbags.

Abstract: The structure provided multi-Levels of the center fuselage, two front wings, Extended mid-two wings and two rear wings with two vertical winglets. The fuselage has a cross section of half circle shaped fuselage. The first level comprises multi-fuel tanks, water tanks, Helium gas tanks, hydraulic, Pneumatic systems and plurality of the multi-landing gear bays and multi-cargo Compartments. The first level comprises a top cockpit and the plurality of the multi-passenger Cabins. The second level is comprises multi-central posts, multi-guy wires on the top center Beams, mid level, lower level center beams, leak proof sealed floor gates for the Multi-gas envelopes structure, under belly multi-pontoon air bags. The first level further comprises multi-jet power plants with multi-chute flaps. The second level may comprises, carbon fiber honey comb sandwich composite Multi-envelopes and multi-level soft gas envelopes.

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: An aircraft which is configured for vertically ascending and landing, includes at least two wings (2a, 2b, 4a, 51, 4b, 52), a space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power, and an intermediate portion (3), the intermediate portion (3) being provided with thrust motors (6), and the space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power being provided with a quantity of lifting power units (HV). Each lifting power unit includes a first variable volume (V1) for the storage of an amount of relatively light gas which is lighter than atmospheric air, and is configured for the controllable adjustment of an upward force or lifting power by the variable volume taken up by the amount of relatively light gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to lighter-than-air vehicles. The inventive aircraft comprises a rigid body with carrier gas-containing shells and propulsers arranged inside aerodynamic modules which are embodied in the form of aerodynamically shaped toroidal bodies of revolution. A longitudinal through passage in embodied in the lower part of the body in such a way that it communicates a crew cabin, a cargo-and-passenger compartment, fuel tanks and accessories and is provided with exit hatches and devices for docking to external objects, an extensible stairway with fences and a demountable carriage. The aircraft also comprises a transversal passage with overwing exits and a vertical passage provided with a cable hoist and devices for lowering and lifting people and cargo. The lower part of the body and hollow wings are filled with a foamed plastic which is used for providing the aircraft with floatability and strength. The aim of the invention is to extend the list of technical means.

Abstract: A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.

Abstract: The invention is an aircraft having an inflatable wing connected to a base unit, with the inflatable wing inflated with a lifting gas such as helium. The inflatable wing has a series of cell structures, and may be configured with ballonets to selectively introduce and expel outside air within the inflatable wing to vary the buoyancy and/or airfoil properties of the inflatable wing. The aircraft is particularly useful at low speeds and in thin atmospheres (such as at high Earth altitudes and on Mars), and can be used for interplanetary missions to explore planetary bodies, such as moons and planets, having atmospheres.

Abstract: The aircraft (10) comprises an elongated framework (26) provided with propelling means and direction-control planes. The framework is coupled to a pneumatic chamber (16) suited to be filled with lighter-than-air gas and comprising two tubular branches (12, 14) joined to form a V-shaped profile, with an aerodinamic-lift surface (22, 24) extending therebetween.

Abstract: A hybrid aerial vehicle is optimized, for example, and not by way of limitation, to operate above 100,000 feet in altitude and provide persistent and maneuverable flight while carrying a wide array of communications and sensing payloads. The hybrid vehicle may use the high altitude winds to gain altitude by pitching up with the center of gravity (CG) control and using its propulsion drive to thrust into the wind to create aerodynamic lift to rise above the neutral buoyancy altitude. The hybrid vehicle will pitch down with the CG control so as to use gravity and propulsion to accelerate. Yaw control directs the flight towards any compass direction by rotating the gondola. This maneuvering capability permits the vehicle to station operate persistently, even in high winds. The lighter-than-air inflatable saucer shape is optimized for maintaining an aerodynamic cross-section to the prevailing wind from any direction in the vehicle horizontal plane.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for lifting a rocket into the upper atmosphere and establishing forward flight at several hundred miles per hour, before the rocket engines are ignited and the rocket is released from the lifting system. The main subassemblies of this lifting system comprise: (1) an array of large helium-filled dirigibles, of a size that can provide hundreds or thousands of tons of lifting force; (2) a tank-holding assembly that will be tethered to the dirigibles, and that will contain pumps and high-pressure tanks, to recapture and store the helium for use in subsequent launches; and, (3) a winged platform, with wings that can be rotated vertically during liftoff, and horizontally to establish forward flight after a desired altitude has been reached, and having conventional aircraft engines on each wing. This system enables safer, less expensive, and more efficient launching of rockets and heavy payloads into space, using easily reusable subassemblies.

Abstract: A multi-purpose airship usable for multi-purposes with less maintenance cost is provided. The multi-purpose airship comprises an operator cabin (1) to which a work device of agricultural chemical scattering device (10) or the like is fittable, a rotor (4) fitted to a top of the operator cabin (1) and having rotor blades of plural stages (or coaxial rotors) of which fitting angle (or pitch) is adjustable to generate a lifting force and propulsive force, a balloon (5) detachably fitted to a top of the rotor (4) and filled with gas lighter than air to generate a lifting force, a stabilizing wing (2) elongating horizontally from each side of the operator cabin (1) and a propulsion device (3) comprising a propeller device or jet engine fitted to a distal end of the stabilizing wing (2) to vary a thrust direction between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

Abstract: A hybrid air vehicle having a gas-filled contoured flattened hull including a pair of longitudinally extending side lobes defining, on the underside of the hull, a longitudinally extending central recess, a payload module received in the central recess and air cushion landing gear units on the underside of the side lobes of the hull. The landing gear units are spaced apart on either side of the payload module. The hybrid air vehicle has characteristics of an airplane, a lighter-than-air airship and a hovercraft.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided having an inflatable parafoil canopy wing and a suspended fuselage. The wing is constructed such that, when inflated, it has an airfoil configuration having leading and trailing edges, thereby producing lift by interaction with air encountered by the leading edge. A central compartment confines a buoyant gas which causes the total volume of the wing to be varied in response to the degree of inflation with the buoyant gas. With sufficient inflation, the aircraft is capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL).

Abstract: A winged hybrid airship (dynastat) combining the advantages of lighter-than-air (LTA) and heavier-than-air (HTA) aircrafts is disclosed. By combining the dynamic lift of low drag, high aspect ration airfoils (e.g., length over chord >10) with the static lift of low drag, laminar-airflow airships, a platform is formed which is capable of prolonged high altitude flight, maintaining station over a given point on the earth, carrying a payload of communications, reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. Solar collection cells and microwave antennas allow for recharging of on board batteries/fuel cells for powering both the airship and on board avionics computers and reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. An alternate embodiment, having strengthened structural members, is able to provide low altitude heavy cargo lift in remote regions regions or cross country transport of goods.

Abstract: The present airship-shaped space craft has a middle fuselage extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and a pair of two outer fuselages extending in the fore-and-aft direction located symmetrically on both sides of the middle fuselage. In the above fuselages, gas of a specific gravity of which is smaller than that of air is filled, and the middle fuselage is connected with the outer fuselages by a horizontal wing. The horizontal wing is provided with propelling devices supported in a gimbal fashion for generating thrust in any optional direction, jet engines with backwards directed nozzles to be controlled within a range from a slantwise upward direction to a slantwise downward direction, and rocket engines with ejection nozzles to be controlled in right-and-left and up-and-down directions. During ascent of the space craft, at first the propelling devices, then the jet engines and at last the rocket engines are actuated so as to make the space craft reach and fly along a satellite orbit.

Abstract: A winged hybrid airship (dynastat) combining the advantages of lighter-than-air (LTA) and heavier-than-air (HTA) aircrafts is disclosed. By combining the dynamic lift of low drag, high aspect ration airfoils (e.g., length over chord >10) with the static lift of low drag, laminar-airflow airships, a platform is formed which is capable of prolonged high altitude flight, maintaining station over a given point on the earth, carrying a payload of communications, reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. Solar collection cells and microwave antennas allow for recharging of on board batteries/fuel cells for powering both the airship and on board avionics computers and reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. An alternate embodiment, having strengthened structural members, is able to provide low altitude heavy cargo lift in remote regions regions or cross country transport of goods.

Abstract: A submersible water toy comprises a buoyant streamlined body and a pair of wings attached thereto. While the body encourages the vehicle to rise in water, the wings, being formed from thin flat members resist vertical movement while providing little resistance to forward motion. The centerline of the wings is positioned behind the center of gravity of the bode so that the vehicle will rise in a forward direction while the wings resist vertical movement. Upon release, the submerged water toy will glide at relatively high speeds in a forward direction while slowly rising to the surface.

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: 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: A composite aircraft comprising an aerostat containing a lighter than air gas, and a rotor assembly mounted to and below the aerostat, via an axle. The aerostat provides buoyancy to lift the weight of the aircraft plus a significant portion of the payload connected to the aircraft. The rotor assembly statically connects to the aerostat in all aspects except rotationally about the axle, and provides the remaining lift and propulsion to the aircraft and payload. The rotor assembly includes a hub, a plurality of blades, a plurality of winglets, and engine-powered propellers that provide rotational thrust to the rotor assembly. The plurality of blades and winglets have adjustable angles of attack to generate lift and forward propulsion to the aircraft. The blades mount radially from the axle and horizontally from an outboard end of the hub. The winglets mount above and below each blade. The engine-powered propellers mount to the outboard end of the hub.

Abstract: A hybrid aircraft is taught having VTOL, R-VTOL and S-STOL capabilities. The aircraft has a lifting body hull and four wing sections arranged in tandem which are pivotally moveable about their neutral axis. Each wing section has mounted thereon a pivotal propeller-rotor assembly for providing thrust substantially in a range between horizontal and vertical. The wings and propellers are integrated to the hull by an outrigger designed to be very stiff and to distribute forces from the wings and propellers to the hull. The hull is shaped to provide aerodynamic lift in an airstream and to facilitate construction by minimizing the number of panels of differing curvature required. The hull is formed of a pressure tensioned frame covered with semi-rigid panels, a lower cladding frame and bow and stem cladding nose cones. The semi-rigid panels covering the frame are formed of gas-tight and abrasion resistant laminate material and are connected to the frame by means of an interface rib and latch system.

Abstract: A novel, high-altitude, solar powered aircraft, capable of staying aloft at high altitudes for many months or even years to conduct around the clock surveillance and/or reconnaisance, includes a forward wing with solar energy capturing cells, a rear wing, inflated pontoons for keeping the aircraft aloft, suspension wires attached to the pontoons, a gondola suspended from and connected to the wires, control apparatus for moving the gondola along the wires, shifting the weight of the aircraft and thereby enabling banking to optimize exposure of the solar cells to the rays of the sun. The gondola preferably contains a sensor suite, power generating and storage apparatus, and synthetic aperture radar imaging apparatus.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an aircraft which is capable of being enhanced in speed and preventing a crash even when a propeller does not operate to provide thrust to the aircraft. A wing which is an envelope made of a flexible material is comprised on an upper side of a aircraft body, and is filled with a gas with a specific gravity less than that of air. Moreover, the aircraft body is provided with a propeller.

Abstract: An omnidirectional propelling type of airship can be propelled in any direction in three-dimensions. The airship includes an airtight gas chamber, gas having a specific gravity smaller than that of air and filling the gas chamber, a section capable of accommodating men, cargo and the like, and propellers supported by gimbals and capable of propelling the airship in any spacial direction.

Abstract: An acrobatic airship capable of making a perfect somersault, and a 360 degree roll in a limited small air space, without utilizing high-powered thrusters or sophisticated automatic control mechanisms. The airship has a rather thick and round axi-symmetrically shaped hull equipped with a pair of reversible thrusters on each side of the hull's nose area. Each thruster is also equipped with a tilting mechanism, which enables the thrust vector orientation to be changed independently. The airship has a set of tail fins as attitude stabilizers which do not have movable control surfaces. This acrobatic airship can be designed as a manned or unmanned craft, and is ideal for use in advertising and also as a camera platform, an observation vehicle for hazardous environments, and in various other industrial applications.

Abstract: A tethered surveillance balloon having a relatively low lift-to-weight ratio (e.g., 1.1) and an aerodynamic device to help maintain the surveillance balloon elevation when subject to high velocity wind conditions at an altitude which is a high percentage of the altitude the surveillance balloon would assume if there was zero wind velocity and all other conditions were the same (e.g. temperature, air density). The surveillance balloon also includes a sensing device such as a TV detector for detecting objects and relaying information to a ground station and with possibly a target designation device, if so desired. The balloon is formed of a material which is virtually, if not entirely, radar and visibly transparent.

Abstract: An airship is described that shows a central rigid frame, extending the length of the airship, about which are arranged at least three equally spaced gas envelopes containing a lifting gas. Propulsion units are located at each end of the central frame and are controllably moved in different directions to control the airship. Also included on the airship is a hot air envelope above the lifting gas envelopes and provided with pivoting masts to increase and decrease the size of the hot air envelope.

Abstract: A hybrid aircraft with a large non-rotating balloon chamber containing a lighter-than-air gas which provides a large static lifting force having a magnitude substantially greater than the weight of the aircraft with a support structure system which is substantially longer in length than in width which is encased by the balloon chamber the support structure system having two ends which protrude from the balloon chamber at opposite sides along the center line of the balloon chamber with a rotatable rotor frame suspended from the ends of the support structure system about the non-rotating balloon chamber. The craft has a plurality of blade airfoils connected to the rotor frame and oriented radially relative to the balloon chamber and which the angle of attack of each blade can be varied. A thrust means is mounted at or near the outboard end of the blade airfoils.