Variable geometry airship
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorJames D. Taylor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable geometry lighter-than-air craft which can change from a buoyant airship to a heavier-than-air craft by changing shape. The craft has a flexible envelope filled with helium or other lifting gas. Releasing or tightening the adjusting lines changes the envelope shape by adjusting the internal dimensions and extending or withdrawing wing expansion sections. The craft's shape can change from an ovoid shape for lighter-than-air flight to a winged shape for heavier-than-air flight. Controlling the craft's speed and trim regulates the aerodynamic lift.
Claims20
A variable geometry aircraft comprising:
- an airship frame;
- a flexible gas envelope which is fixed to said airship frame and which may be inflated with a buoyant gas to provide buoyant lift to said variable geometry aircraft;
- a means for providing a variable aerodynamic lift to said variable geometry aircraft, said providing means being fixed to said airship frame;
- and said variable geometry aircraft being capable of changing its geometric shape from an ovoid shaped lighter than air airship to a winged shaped heavier than air airplane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.