A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability. A vehicle comprising a first lift device capable of providing hydrostatic lift; a second lift device capable of providing dynamic lift through movement; and a system structured to generate thrust coupled to the second lift device, the second lift device and the thrust generation system capable of rotating together about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle at angles at least in the range of 90 degrees to and including 180 degrees.

An aerial vehicle (1) in which forward motion is developed by changing the position of the buoyancy centre and the position of the centre of gravity of the aerial vehicle (1). The aerial vehicle (1) has an envelope (12) which is a body of revolution about a central axis (X-X). The envelope (12) comprises a film and contains a lighter than air gas and wings (13, 14) one each extending laterally either side of the envelope (12).

An aerial vehicle (1) in which forward motion is developed by changing the position of the buoyancy centre and the position of the centre of gravity of the aerial vehicle (1). The aerial vehicle (1) has an envelope (12) which is a body of revolution about a central axis (X-X). The envelope (12) comprises a film and contains a lighter than air gas and wings (13, 14) one each extending laterally either side of the envelope (12).

Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.

Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.

A stratospheric airship includes a nonrigid balloon equipped with a solar generator arranged on the upper part of the nonrigid balloon intended to be illuminated in flight by the sun, the airship comprising: at least one device for managing the position of the centre of gravity of the airship; at least one device for stabilizing the attitude of the airship; and a module for the coupled control of the devices, configured to control the airship, when the speed of travel of the airship with respect to the surrounding air is below a first threshold (S1) and/or the temperature of the solar generator is above a second threshold (S2), in such a way that it rotates by substantially half a turn about its longitudinal axis (AL), so as to protect the solar generator from illumination by the sun.

The invention relates to an aircraft having a supporting structure (12) and a shell (10) that can be filled with a gas and which is tensioned by the supporting structure (12). According to the invention, said supporting structure (12) comprises a plurality of rod or tube-shaped sections (24-30) which define a circular, oval or polygonal main clamping plane for the shell (10).

An airship in the shape of an annular aerofoil, designed so that the sides of the airship have a streamlined shape. Within the central passage is an efficient propulsion unit, the thrust from which is vectored to provide manoeuvrability.

An airship in the shape of an annular aerofoil, designed so that the sides of the airship have a streamlined shape. Within the central passage is an efficient propulsion unit, the thrust from which is vectored to provide manoeuvrability.

Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.