Ground handling system for an airship
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsBrian W. Steinkerchner, Charles E. Housley, David W. Miller, Paul C. Schweigert
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A ground handling system for an airship which comprises a first track system to allow a plurality of docking carts to move from a hangar to a weathervane/launching/landing ring R. The docking carts are configured to complete a second track system. Carried by each of the docking carts is a mooring cart that carries a mooring structure. Upon the completion of the second track system by each of the docking carts, the mooring carts are able to move about the second track system. Thereby allowing the airship to be oriented in a desired manner to facilitate its launch or landing.
Claims18
A ground handling system for an airship comprising:
- a ring track system;
- a straight track system intersecting said ring track system so as to form gaps therein;
- and
- a plurality of docking carts configured to move on said straight track system, said plurality of docking carts each carrying thereupon a mooring cart configured to move on said ring track system, wherein said plurality of docking carts complete said gaps of said ring track system to enable said mooring carts to move on said ring track system while cradling the airship disposed thereupon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.