Hybrid airship with downward thrust rotors

Abstract

A hybrid airship system comprising an envelope containing a lifting gas for generating buoyant lift, at least one rotor assembly mounted to the airship and configured to generate downward thrust to counteract over-buoyancy, and a control system configured to dynamically adjust operation of the at least one rotor assembly based on buoyancy conditions of the airship. The control system monitors buoyancy conditions and automatically activates the rotor assembly to generate downward thrust when over-buoyancy is detected, eliminating the need for ballast release. The rotor assembly operates in reverse thrust mode to provide precise altitude control and stability during flight operations. The lifting gas comprises helium or hydrogen contained within the envelope structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.