A structure adapted to traverse a fluid environment exerting an ambient fluid pressure is provided. The structure includes an elongate body extending from a root to a wingtip and encapsulating at least one interior volume containing an interior fluid exerting an interior fluid pressure that is different from the ambient fluid pressure. A method of retrofitting a structure adapted to traverse a fluid environment exerting an ambient fluid pressure, the structure comprising an elongate body extending from a root to a wingtip and having at least one interior volume is also provided. The method includes sealing the elongate body to encapsulate the at least one interior volume containing an interior fluid; associating at least one valve with the at least one interior volume; and modifying interior fluid content via the at least one valve to produce an interior fluid pressure that is different from the ambient fluid pressure.

A structure for a turbine, the structure comprising a body having a multi-layer construction including an interior layer with substantially uniform concentrations throughout of facultative anaerobic organisms (FAO) that have gene sets capable of producing the enzyme urease and/or the proteins purloin, lustre A and perlustrin, along with glucose, and non-uniform concentrations throughout of a structural composition, the structural composition including a chitin-based component with silk fibronectin and water; an exterior layer of urea, water, calcium ions and facultative anaerobic organisms (FAOs) including urease, aragonite; and a binding layer of conchiolin protein intermediate the interior layer and the exterior layer. The facultative anaeorobic organisms (FAOs) are organisms classified in one of the Saccharomyces, Escherichia and Bacillus genuses.

A wing of a vehicle can include a rigid spar. The wing can include beams configured to inflate with a gas. The beams can be disposed from a leading edge of the wing to a trailing edge of the wing. The wing can include a component coupled with the rigid spar and coupled with the trailing edge of the wing, the component to deflect the trailing edge of the wing relative to the leading edge and curve the plurality of beams.

A wing of a vehicle can include a rigid spar. The wing can include beams configured to inflate with a gas. The beams can be disposed from a leading edge of the wing to a trailing edge of the wing. The wing can include a component coupled with the rigid spar and coupled with the trailing edge of the wing, the component to deflect the trailing edge of the wing relative to the leading edge and curve the plurality of beams.

An aerospace vehicle comprising an airplane or spacecraft, operatively coupled to an airship balloon containing lighter than air gas adapted to elevate the vehicle. A control system adapted to deflate the balloon upon reaching a specific altitude by directing the gas to a propulsion system and high pressure gas chambers for powering the vehicle at a greater speed or to a greater altitude. The balloon can be retracted into the vehicle to achieve a better aerodynamic shape and further re-inflated for decreasing the speed of the vehicle upon reaching a destination.

A leading edge for an airfoil comprising a torsion box, the leading edge comprising a leading plate and a first inflatable element suitable for being filled with air. The leading plate comprises a convex side and a concave side. The first inflatable element is in contact with at least part of the concave side, thus reinforcing the leading plate. An airfoil comprising such a leading edge is also provided.

A leading edge for an airfoil comprising a torsion box, the leading edge comprising a leading plate and a first inflatable element suitable for being filled with air. The leading plate comprises a convex side and a concave side. The first inflatable element is in contact with at least part of the concave side, thus reinforcing the leading plate. An airfoil comprising such a leading edge is also provided.

A wing of a vehicle can include a rigid spar. The wing can include beams configured to inflate with a gas. The beams can be disposed from a leading edge of the wing to a trailing edge of the wing. The wing can include a component coupled with the rigid spar and coupled with the trailing edge of the wing, the component to deflect the trailing edge of the wing relative to the leading edge and curve the plurality of beams.

A wing of a vehicle can include a rigid spar. The wing can include beams configured to inflate with a gas. The beams can be disposed from a leading edge of the wing to a trailing edge of the wing. The wing can include a component coupled with the rigid spar and coupled with the trailing edge of the wing, the component to deflect the trailing edge of the wing relative to the leading edge and curve the plurality of beams.

The present invention provides novel inflatable and rigidizable support elements, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides inflatable and rigidizable support elements rapidly inflated and rigidized using an acrylic adhesive and UV light generated by combustion, which find use, for example, in rapidly deploying and supporting the wing of an aerial vehicle and wind turbine towers.