A lighter-than-air toy drone having at least one balloon that is inflated with a lift gas. The drone has a first conduit progresses along a first axis and a second conduit that progresses along a perpendicular second axis. At least one motorized propeller is provided that can selectively moving air through the first conduit and the second conduit to propel the drone. The motorized propeller can also generate a gyroscopic force that acts to rotate said at least one balloon for directional steering.

Lighter-than-air (LTA) systems and methods. The LTA may include a super-pressure balloon (SPB). A plurality of tendons may extend around and bias the SPB to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The LTA may include a payload.

Lighter-than-air (LTA) systems and methods. The LTA may include a super-pressure balloon (SPB). A plurality of tendons may extend around and bias the SPB to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The LTA may include a payload.

An airborne RF-head platform system and method. Here, much of the computational burden of transmitting and receiving wireless RF waveforms is shifted from the airborne platform to a ground baseband unit (BBU). The airborne platform, which will often be a high altitude balloon or drone type platform, generally comprises one or more remote radio heads, configured with antennas, A/D and D/A converters, frequency converters, RF amplifiers, and the like. The airborne platform communicates with the ground baseband units either directly via a laser communications link, or indirectly through another airborne relay platform. The airborne RF-head communicates via various wireless protocols to various user equipment such as smartphones by using the BBU and the laser communications link to precisely control the function of the airborne A/D and D/A converters and antennas. This system reduces the power needs, weight, and cost of the airborne platform, and also improves operational flexibility.

An airborne RF-head platform system and method. Here, much of the computational burden of transmitting and receiving wireless RF waveforms is shifted from the airborne platform to a ground baseband unit (BBU). The airborne platform, which will often be a high altitude balloon or drone type platform, generally comprises one or more remote radio heads, configured with antennas, A/D and D/A converters, frequency converters, RF amplifiers, and the like. The airborne platform communicates with the ground baseband units either directly via a laser communications link, or indirectly through another airborne relay platform. The airborne RF-head communicates via various wireless protocols to various user equipment such as smartphones by using the BBU and the laser communications link to precisely control the function of the airborne A/D and D/A converters and antennas. This system reduces the power needs, weight, and cost of the airborne platform, and also improves operational flexibility.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. Some versions of the parafoil comprise flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible member may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

A parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. Some versions of the parafoil comprise flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible member may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

The present invention provides a means by which heat generated in an airtight container for a flying object flying at high altitude can be exhausted to the outside. Container 12 is a cabin of a gas balloon and comprises Main Body 121, which is an airtight container for accommodating Crew Member H1 and is filled with Air 122, Heat Transfer Member 125 made of a material that has a high thermal conductivity such as aluminum and that covers the inside of Main Body 121 and is partially in contact with Heat Absorber Holder 123, Heat Absorber Holder 123 that is a container made of a material that has a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and is located outside of Main Body 121, and Heat Absorber 124 contained in Heat Absorber Holder 123. Heat generated by Crew Member H1 is transferred via Air 122 to Heat Transfer Member 125 and then to Heat Absorber Holder 123. Heat Absorber 124 absorbs heat from Heat Absorber Holder 123 as heat of vaporization and changes from a liquid to a gas.