Airship launch from a cargo airship with a payload return vehicle
OwnerStephen B. Heppeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A releasable payload return vehicle, wherein the payload return vehicle generates aerodynamic forces while it is mated to the cargo airship.
Claims5
A high-altitude airship system comprising a high-altitude airship, a cargo airship, and a tether connecting the high-altitude airship to the cargo airship, wherein the cargo airship comprises:
- a lifting gas reservoir;
- a releasable mass comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle with a payload adapted to perform at least one of:
- communications relay;
- signals intercept;
- remote surveillance;
- Earth observation;
- astronomical observation;
- or ballistic missile engagement;
- wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a propulsion system;
- and
- wherein orientation of the releasable mass is configured to be adjusted relative to the cargo airship and an external wind field.
A high-altitude airship system comprising a high-altitude airship, a cargo airship, and a tether connecting the high-altitude airship to the cargo airship, wherein the cargo airship comprises:
- a lifting gas reservoir;
- a first releasable mass comprising a pump to transfer lifting gas from the lifting gas reservoir to the high-altitude airship;
- a second releasable mass comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle with a payload adapted to perform at least one of:
- communications relay;
- signals intercept;
- remote surveillance;
- Earth observation;
- astronomical observation, or ballistic missile engagement;
- and
- wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a propulsion system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.