A propulsive assembly, in particular for an aircraft, comprising a mast and a propulsion device comprising an engine and a nacelle, the engine comprising a propeller, the propulsive assembly comprising: A standby protection device comprising a first connecting member fixedly mounted to the mast and a second connecting member fixedly mounted to the propulsion device, the second connecting member being rotatably hinged with respect to the first connecting member in at least one degree of freedom, and at least one retaining member keeping the second connecting member fixed with respect to the first connecting member, and configured, in the presence of a predetermined unbalance force on the propeller, to release the standby protection device in order to protect the mast.

A solar-powered airship with a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly with a propulsion device and electric motors configured to drive the propulsion device. The airship may also include a power supply system including solar panels operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The power supply system may also include batteries operatively coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive and store electrical energy supplied by the solar panels, the batteries being further operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The batteries may each be located within an outer envelope of the airship defined by the hull of the airship in a position selected to provide ballast. The solar-powered airship may also include a cargo system configured to contain passengers or freight.

A solar-powered airship with a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly with a propulsion device and electric motors configured to drive the propulsion device. The airship may also include a power supply system including solar panels operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The power supply system may also include batteries operatively coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive and store electrical energy supplied by the solar panels, the batteries being further operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The batteries may each be located within an outer envelope of the airship defined by the hull of the airship in a position selected to provide ballast. The solar-powered airship may also include a cargo system configured to contain passengers or freight.

A system for transporting hydrogen from where it can be economically made to where it is most needed using airships. Green technologies can be used to generate electricity near to the primary energy sources. This electricity can then be used to produce hydrogen directly from water. Hydrogen can be delivered using an airship in which the hydrogen gas can also be used for generating lift, providing propulsion energy and serving ancillary needs. In other embodiments of the invention, the airship of the present invention can be used to dramatically reduce the cost of transportation of freight, the cost of passenger transportation, and to save on the area required for landing at the points of loading/unloading and embarkation/debarkation. And in another embodiment, the airship of the present invention can be used for transporting water and food to areas where needed. In another embodiment, the ship can be equipped with solar cells.

A control system for an atmospheric balloon system includes a navigation parameter system having a meteorological characteristic input, a balloon kinematic monitor, an objective input and a parameter range generator configured to generate an altitude search range for the atmospheric balloon system based on air stream vectors, balloon kinematics, and a target balloon position. An onboard balloon control system is in communication with the navigation parameter system and includes a comparator to determine a course difference of a measured course relative to a course range. An altitude selection module selects a target altitude within the altitude search range having an air stream vector that decreases the course difference. A propulsion selection module is configured to select a propulsion value that decreases the course difference.

Hydrogen is delivered from a first location to a second location by an airship, such as a lighter-than-air ship. The hydrogen may be produced at the first location and the second location is where the hydrogen is needed. Once produced, the hydrogen is then loaded onto the airship. In one approach, a hydrogen storage compartment in the airship is filled with hydrogen. After the airship has arrived at the second location, the hydrogen is retrieved and may be stored at the second location for use as an energy source.

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.

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.

A lighter than air craft having an airframe that has at least one tank in the airframe for holding compressed or liquid hydrogen or helium and at least one compartment in the airframe holding an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder can be inflated with hydrogen or helium gas from the first tank. There is a vent in the compartment allowing air to exit the compartment when the bladder is inflated and allowing air to enter the compartment when the bladder is deflated. Inflating and deflating the bladder partially controls buoyancy of the craft. Inflating bladders in compartments fore and aft controls pitch and trim.

A propulsive assembly, in particular for an aircraft, comprising a mast and a propulsion device comprising an engine and a nacelle, the engine comprising a propeller, the propulsive assembly comprising: A standby protection device comprising a first connecting member fixedly mounted to the mast and a second connecting member fixedly mounted to the propulsion device, the second connecting member being rotatably hinged with respect to the first connecting member in at least one degree of freedom, and at least one retaining member keeping the second connecting member fixed with respect to the first connecting member, and configured, in the presence of a predetermined unbalance force on the propeller, to release the standby protection device in order to protect the mast.