Payload lift and positioning system for airships

Abstract

A payload lift and positioning system mounted to an airship for precisely positioning a payload being lowered from the airship to the ground. The payload lift and positioning system includes a support beam structure mounted to an underside of the airship, the support beam structure including load hoists and guide cable hoists mounted thereto. A payload supporting structure to carry the payload, the payload supporting structure being connected to support beam structure by the load hoists and guide cable hoists. A guide cable system includes a plurality of guide cables, each extending from the guide cable hoists disposed on the support beam structure. A positioning system includes a guide member that is mounted on the payload supporting structure to control the position of the payload being lowered from the airship to ground.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.