A system and method for intelligently and dynamically deploying a plurality of mobile robotic machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically to propagate wireless network connectivity comprising, at least, a mechanical framework, sensors, actuators, communications capability, an energy source, a propulsion means, a control mechanism, and a payload. The payload may comprise electronic or mechanical communication equipment to propagate services such as wireless networking services, in for example, a first responder or emergency environment, or electronic and mechanical jamming services in a military or anti-terrorism environment.

The technology relates to techniques for lightweight brackets for storm hardening of aircraft components. A bracket flange for protecting an electronics assembly from electrical storm activity can include a leg element coupled to and extending from a component of a vehicle and a first bar element extending from another end of the leg element on a plane substantially parallel to the component and over a part of an electronics assembly. The location of the bracket flange can be determined using a lightning attachment survey configured to indicate a part of the electronics assembly to which a lightning streamer attaches during an electrical surge. The location and size of the bracket flange may be configured to divert surge current away from the part of the electronics assembly to which the lightning streamer attaches in the lightning attachment survey.

Described herein are features for high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) balloon antenna systems and associated methods. One or more long wire communications antennas may be built into the balloon skin. The antenna may extend under, in, on or otherwise along one of the seams formed by connected edges of gores that define the balloon volume. The antenna may include an elongated electrical conductor with a length based on a desired communication frequency. The antenna may be secured with load tape along the seam. The antenna may be included in an LTA balloon system that includes multiple balloons connected in tandem, such as a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) and one or more variable air ballast super-pressure balloons (SPB).

Described herein are features for high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) balloon antenna systems and associated methods. One or more long wire communications antennas may be built into the balloon skin. The antenna may extend under, in, on or otherwise along one of the seams formed by connected edges of gores that define the balloon volume. The antenna may include an elongated electrical conductor with a length based on a desired communication frequency. The antenna may be secured with load tape along the seam. The antenna may be included in an LTA balloon system that includes multiple balloons connected in tandem, such as a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) and one or more variable air ballast super-pressure balloons (SPB).

An inlet for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite lip skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the lip skin. A lip skin for an inlet with an electric heater may comprise a surface layer, an outer composite skin, an electric heater, an inner composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating. A lip skin for an inlet with a pneumatic deicing system may comprise a surface layer, a composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating.

An inlet for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite lip skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the lip skin. A lip skin for an inlet with an electric heater may comprise a surface layer, an outer composite skin, an electric heater, an inner composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating. A lip skin for an inlet with a pneumatic deicing system may comprise a surface layer, a composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating.

A portable launch rig (PLR) may include a support structure including two side supports defining an interior space for lifting and filling a balloon envelope of a balloon. Wheels on each of the side supports enable the PLR to be moved in various directions in order to prepare the PLR for launching the balloon. The side supports are connected by a lateral support beam having a pair of cranes arranged thereon. Each crane has an arm arranged over the interior space that is connected to a spreader beam. The spreader beam includes a lift assembly configured to lift and inflate the balloon envelope within the interior space. The PLR includes a platform and perch for supporting and moving the balloon envelope. A door assembly of the PLR includes a plurality of hangar doors configured to block wind from a respective direction of each hangar door entering the interior space.

A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.

A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.

A non-rigid airship or hybrid air vehicle has a pressure-stabilised envelope (100) that includes at least one ballonet (102, 103). A system is provided for measuring the geometry of the lifting gas enclosure (101) within the pressure-stabilised envelope (100). The system comprises a plurality of sensors (104, 109) located outside the ballonet(s) but inside the envelope, for measuring the geometry of the enclosure. Some of the sensors (104) are arranged to measure an internal surface of the pressure-stabilised envelope (100), and others of the sensors (109) are arranged to measure an external surface of the at least one ballonet (102, 103).