A flying craft 8 comprises a lighter than air receptacle containing a lighter than air combustible gas 18 that is able to contribute to static lifting of the craft. The lighter than air combustible gas may comprise hydrogen or methane or a combination of the two. The receptacle comprises an inner envelope or balloon 14 housed within an outer envelope 12 acting as a structural support. The craft includes a combustion engine 36 which is in communication with the lighter than air combustible gas via fuel lines 20, 28. Oxygen may be supplied to the engine to combust the fuel. The oxygen may be supplied from an oxygen receptacle or an oxygen collector or may be supplied in air from an air scoop 32. The combustion engine is able to provide thrust which together with the static lift is able to lift the craft. A payload 22 may be housed within a hull structure 21. The craft enables a payload to be launched and transported into space such as to low earth orbit.
A flying craft
2018-07-25
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998
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