An aerial vehicle 1 has lateral wings 13,14 extending from an envelope 12 containing a lighter than air gas, and at least one ballast chamber 24. In flight forward motion is developed by changing the buoyancy and the centre of gravity of the vehicle. The aerodynamic centre C of the vehicle is aligned with the aerodynamic centres of the wings; the centre of gravity is maintained below the vehicle’s aerodynamic centre in flight. Preferably, a central spar 12 is provided, a moveable weight 86,88 below the spar may be moved forward or aft of the aerodynamic centre to raise or lower the nose of the vehicle in flight. The ballast chamber may be provided within the envelope with a valve 25 to the external atmosphere, air is released from the chamber to reduce buoyancy when the nose is pitched up, and pumped in when the nose is pitched down. The central spar may extend the length of the vehicle and have an axial duct, open to the air at each end, air may be pumped from the duct into the air ballast chamber. The duct may also be connected to the envelope interior to release gas.
Buoyancy aerial vehicle and method of flight
2023-03-29
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B64B LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT , Luftfahrzeuge leichter als Luft |