Cargo airship

Abstract

A cargo airship is disclosed. The cargo airship may include a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the airship and including a propulsion device. The cargo airship may further include a payload bay comprising an external cargo area located outside of the hull. The cargo airship may also include a cargo handling system including at least one hoisting mechanism configured to lift cargo into the external cargo area while the airship is hovering.

Claims

1. An airship comprising: a hull configured to contain a gas; a keel extending longitudinally along the airship and having a bottom surface configured to be a connection point for the cargo; at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the airship and including a propulsion device, a payload bay comprising an external cargo area located outside of the hull and external to the keel, the keel forming at least a portion of the external cargo area; and a cargo handling system comprising at least one hoisting mechanism fixed to the airship and configured to lift cargo from below the bottom surface of the keel into the external cargo area while the airship is hovering, wherein the keel includes a locking mechanism for securing the cargo externally to the keel at the bottom surface of the keel.

2. The airship of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a twist lock.

3. The airship of claim 1, wherein the payload bay further comprises an internal cargo area housed within the keel.

4. The airship of claim 3, wherein: the keel comprises an opening separating the internal cargo area from the external cargo area, and the at least one hoisting mechanism is configured to lift the cargo into the internal cargo area through the opening.

5. The airship of claim 1, wherein the keel is approximately one third of an overall length of the airship.

6. The airship of claim 1, further comprising a gondola for transporting at least one crew member, the gondola forming at least a portion of the keel.

7. The airship of claim 6, wherein the gondola includes a control station configured to allow the at least one crew member to control the cargo handling system.

8. The airship of claim 7, wherein the gondola includes a window facing toward the external cargo area.

9. The airship of claim 1, further including a tunnel that runs longitudinally along the payload bay, the at least one hoisting mechanism configured to move longitudinally along the tunnel.

10. The airship of claim 1, wherein the hoisting mechanism includes at least one two-rail crane.

11. The airship of claim 1, wherein the airship further includes a landing gear assembly configured to contact the ground and maintain the hull above the ground.

12. The airship of claim 11, wherein the landing gear assembly includes a plurality of legs, each leg configured to be secured to a mooring pad on the ground.

13. The airship of claim 12, wherein each leg includes a winch configured to tighten a cable secured between the winch and the mooring pad.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cargo airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary support structure of an airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a front-view of an airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a rear-view of the airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary structural ring that may be used in conjunction with the support structure of FIG. 2, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(7) FIG. 6 further illustrates a hull of an airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary truss structure, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary propulsion assembly, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(10) FIGS. 9-10 illustrate an exemplary landing gear assembly, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates the cargo airship of FIG. 1, including a sectional view of an exemplary gondola, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(12) FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional top-view of an airship, including the gondola of FIG. 11, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(13) FIG. 13 illustrates a front portion of an exemplary cockpit, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(14) FIG. 14 illustrates a rear portion of the cockpit of FIG. 13, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(15) FIG. 15 illustrates an interior of the cockpit of FIG. 13, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary two-rail crane that may be used in conjunction with a cargo handling system, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a cargo handling system connected to cargo, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates the cargo of FIG. 17 secured in a cargo bay of an airship, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(19) FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary locking mechanism configured to be used in conjunction with the cargo handling system of FIG. 17, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(20) FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an exemplary flight control system computer, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(21) FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary flight display, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(22) FIG. 24 illustrates a top-view of an airship and a mooring configuration, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

(23) FIGS. 25-26 illustrate an airship during a hovering operation, including a tether cable, consistent with disclosed embodiments; and

(24) FIG. 27 illustrates an airship during a flight operation, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(25) Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

(26) The accompanying figures depict exemplary embodiments of a cargo airship. The cargo airship includes features that enable a variety of cargo transport operations. For example, the cargo airship may include features that provide tailored flight planning capabilities that consider various aspects of a future cargo transport operation, such as environmental factors that may affect the operation. Further, the cargo airship may include certain features that allow for the safe and efficient execution of the cargo transport operation. For example, the cargo airship may include cargo handling systems that are adapted for transporting heavy cargo and quickly exchanging the cargo once the airship has arrived at a delivery location. Further, the cargo airship may include an optimized shape designed for the particular requirements of receiving, transporting, and delivering cargo.

(27) Also, it should be evident that transportation of cargo is only one exemplary application of the disclosed airship, and that the features and configurations of the airship described herein are useful for many different airship uses and functions. For example, an airship consistent with the disclosed embodiments may be configured to act as a mobile medical facility configured to provide medical services to remote locations.

(28) FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an airship 10. Airship 10 may be configured for VTOL, navigation in three dimensions (e.g., X, Y, and Z planes), as well as various specific flight operations, such as hovering above land or water. To facilitate these and other flight operations, airship 10 may include a hull 12, a fin assembly 14, a propulsion system 16, a landing gear assembly 18 (see FIGS. 3-4), a gondola 20 (see FIGS. 11-12), a cargo handling system 22 (see FIGS. 16-21), and a flight control system 24 (see FIG. 22).

(29) Throughout this discussion of various embodiments, the terms “front” and/or “fore” will be used to refer to areas within a section of airship 10 closest to forward travel, and the term “rear” and/or “aft” will be used to refer to areas within a section of airship 10 closest to the opposite direction of travel. Moreover, the term “tail” will be used to refer to a rear-most point associated with hull 12, while the term “nose” will be used to refer to the forward-most point within the front section of hull 12.

(30) FIG. 1 further illustrates various axes relative to the exemplary airship 10 for reference purposes. Airship 10 may include a roll axis 5, a pitch axis 6, and a yaw axis 7. Roll axis 5 of airship 10 may correspond with an imaginary line running through hull 12 in a direction from, for example, the tail to the nose of airship 10. Yaw axis 7 of airship 10 may be a central, vertical axis corresponding with an imaginary line running perpendicular to roll axis 5 through hull 12 in a direction from, for example, a bottom surface of hull 12 to a top surface of hull 12. Pitch axis 6 may correspond to an imaginary line running perpendicular to both yaw and roll axes, such that pitch axis 6 runs through hull 12 from one side of airship 10 to the other side of airship 10, as shown in FIG. 1. “Roll axis” and “X axis,” “pitch axis” and “Y axis,” and “yaw axis” and “Z axis” may be used interchangeably throughout this discussion to refer to the various axes associated with airship 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the terms described in this paragraph are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

(31) Hull

(32) Hull 12 may include a support structure 26 (see FIG. 2), and one or more layers of material (FIG. 6) substantially covering support structure 26. In some embodiments, airship 10 may be a “rigid” airship. As used herein, the term “rigid airship” shall refer to an airship having a rigid framework, and containing one or more non-pressurized gas cells or bladders to provide lift, wherein the hull of the airship does not depend on internal pressure of the gas cells to maintain its shape.

(33) FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an exemplary shape of hull 12 that may be at least partially defined by support structure 26. In particular, hull 12 of airship 10 may include a length L (FIG. 2), a height H (FIG. 3), and a width W (FIG. 3). In an exemplary embodiment, hull 12 may include an elongated lenticular shape defined by height H being less than half of width W and less than one third of length L. In one embodiment, height H may be less than one fourth of length L, such that length L may be twice width W. In an exemplary embodiment, opposing upper and lower sides of hull 12 may include substantially symmetrical convex shapes. In some embodiments, an interconnecting support ring may surround hull 12 at an intersection of the upper and lower sides of hull 12.

(34) FIG. 2 illustrates support structure 26 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, support structure 26 may be configured to define a shape associated with airship 10, while providing support to numerous systems associated with airship 10. As shown in FIG. 2, support structure 26 may be defined by one or more frame members 28 interconnected to form the desired shape.

(35) In an exemplary embodiment, frame members 28 may include a plurality of structural rings 30 interconnected by a plurality of longerons 32, and at least one structural beam 34. In one embodiment, the plurality of structural rings 30 may include approximately 11-12 vertically-mounted ring-shaped truss structures evenly spaced along hull 12. The plurality of longerons 32 may include a plurality of primary longerons that run horizontally from the nose of airship 10 to the tail. The plurality of longerons 32 may also include a plurality of intermediate longerons interconnected between and shorter than the primary longerons. Structural beam 34 may be a longitudinal truss member, larger than longerons 32, running fore and aft through the air ship, providing extra rigidity and distributing loads (e.g., gas cell lift loads, cargo loads, etc.) evenly throughout support structure 26.

(36) FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of support structure 26, depicting structural ring 30 and structural beams 34. Structural ring 30 and structural beam 34 include truss structures, formed by a plurality of interconnected frame components. The truss structure of structural ring 30 may form a plurality of attachment points 36 around a circumference of each structural ring 30. Structural beam 34 may be positioned at a lower-most point of structural rings 30, running perpendicular to a plane of structural ring 30. Additional or alternative structural beams 34 (not shown) may be positioned around the circumference of structural rings 30.

(37) To maximize a lifting capacity associated with airship 10, it may be desirable to design and fabricate support structure 26 such that a weight associated with support structure 26 is minimized while strength, and therefore resistance to aerodynamic forces, for example, is maximized. In other words, maximizing a strength-to-weight ratio associated with support structure 26 may provide a more desirable configuration for airship 10. For example, one or more frame members 28 may be constructed from light-weight, but high-strength, materials including, for example, aluminum, composite materials, and/or carbon fiber, among other things. In one embodiment, structural rings 30, the primary longerons of longerons 32 and structural beam(s) 34 are fabricated from aluminum, while the intermediate longerons of longerons 32 are fabricated from composite materials.

(38) Hull 12 may be configured to retain a volume of lighter-than-air gas. As shown in FIG. 2, hull 12 may contain a plurality of gas cells 38. Gas cells 38 may be individual bladders, each configured to retain a volume of lighter-than-air gas, such as helium. Each gas cell 38 may be fabricated from a lightweight fabric material and may include one or more valves to accommodate overpressure of the gas at high altitudes or severe superheat conditions.

(39) In an exemplary embodiment, each gas cell 38 may be an individual cylindrical segment, shaped to fit its location within hull 12. The use of separately positioned gas cells 38 for containing the gas may help minimize sloshing of the gas during flight and helps avoid collection of too much gas in the nose or tail areas (e.g., during pitch up and pitch down maneuvers). Gas cells 38 may be positioned between adjacent structural rings 30. In an exemplary embodiment, securing members 40 may be secured to attachment points 36 around structural rings 30 (see FIGS. 5-6) and configured to help maintain a position of each gas cell 38 within hull 12.

(40) In an exemplary embodiment, securing members 40 may be netting, cables, ropes, or the like. For example, securing members 40 may be high-strength netting material secured to attachment points 36. As airship 10 travels between different altitudes, a pressure inside each gas cell 38 may change, causing gas cells 38 to increase and decrease in size. Securing members 40 may maintain each gas cell 38 in its own segment of hull 12 (e.g., between adjacent structural rings 30), while not constraining expansion/contraction caused by changes in pressure.

(41) As shown in FIG. 6, gas cells 38 may be positioned inside support structure 26 such that a gas lift force is transferred to support structure 26. An outer skin 42 may be secured around an outside of support structure 26 to serve as an external surface of hull 12, as well as to envelop support structure 26 and gas cells 38. Outer skin 42 may be an aviation-approved fabric that is mechanically attached or glued to the exterior surface of support structure 26. FIG. 7 further depicts a truss structure that may be used for one or more components of support structure 26 (e.g., structural rings 30, structural beam 34, etc.) and to which securing members 40 may be secured to help hold gas cells 38 in place within hull 12.

(42) In an exemplary embodiment, hull 12 may configured such that airship 10 includes a “near equilibrium” design in which airship 10 relies primarily on static lift of the gas retaining in gas cells 38 and not on any dynamic lift that may be generated by hull 12 during flight. In an exemplary embodiment, hull 12 may include a hull fineness ratio of approximately 3 to 1.

(43) Fin Assembly

(44) Returning to FIGS. 1-4, fin assembly 14 may include a plurality of stabilizing fins 44 secured to hull 12 (e.g., mounted to support structure 26). Stabilizing fins 44 may be arranged in a wide “X” configuration at the rear of hull 12. In an exemplary embodiment, fin assembly 14 may be configured such that stabilizing fins 44 do not extend beyond the length, width, or height of hull 12. This configuration may create a compact design, reducing the size of a hangar required to house airship 10. Further, the wide “X” configuration of stabilizing fins 44 may help reduce snow accumulation and improve ground clearance. In an exemplary embodiment, control mechanisms may allow for adjustment of stabilizing fins 44.

(45) Propulsion System

(46) Propulsion system 16 may include a plurality of propulsion assemblies 46 positioned around a perimeter of hull 12. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, propulsion system 16 may include four propulsion assemblies 46. For example, two propulsion assemblies 46 may be mounted to a lower starboard side mid-section of hull 12 and two propulsion assemblies 46 may be mounted to a lower port side mid-section of hull 12. It should be understood, however, that propulsion system 16 may include more or less propulsion assemblies 46, depending on the lift and maneuverability requirements of airship 10. For example, in some embodiments, propulsion system 16 may include six propulsion assemblies 46.

(47) Propulsion assemblies 46 may be configured to provide a propulsive force (e.g., thrust), directed in a particular direction (i.e., a thrust vector), and configured to generate motion (e.g., horizontal and/or vertical motion), counteract a motive force (e.g., wind forces), and/or other manipulations and maneuvers of airship 10 (e.g., yaw control). For example, propulsion assemblies 46 may enable yaw, pitch, and roll control as well as providing thrust for horizontal and vertical motion.

(48) FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of propulsion assemblies 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, propulsion assemblies 46 may include a power source 48, a propulsion device 50, and a propulsion unit mount 52. Power source 48 may be operatively coupled to and configured to drive propulsion device 50. Power source 48 may include, for example, liquid-fuel engines, electric motors, gas turbine engines, and/or any suitable power source configured to generate rotational power. Power source 48 may further include variable-speed and/or reversible type motors that may be run in either direction (e.g., rotated clockwise or counterclockwise) and/or at varying rotational speeds based on control signals (e.g., signals from flight control system 24). Power source 48 may be powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, methane, batteries, solar energy, and/or any other suitable fuel source.

(49) As shown in FIG. 8, each propulsion assembly 46 may include a propulsion device 50 configured to convert the rotational energy of power source 48 into a thrust force suitable for acting on airship 10. For example, propulsion device 50 may include a device, such as an airfoil that, when rotated, may generate an airflow or thrust. For example, propulsion device 50 may be arranged as an axial fan (e.g., propeller, as shown in FIG. 10), a centrifugal fan, and/or a tangential fan. Such exemplary fan arrangements may be suited to transforming rotational energy produced by power source 48 (e.g., via a power conversion unit) into a thrust force useful for manipulating airship 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that numerous configurations may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

(50) As shown in FIG. 8, for example, propulsion unit mount 52 may include at least one pylon 54 configured to secure power source 48 and propulsion device 50 to hull 12 (FIG. 1) such that forces associated with propulsion assemblies 46 may be transferred to hull 12. Pylon 54 may be arranged to provide sufficient clearance for propulsion device 50 with respect to hull 14 to allow propulsion devices 50 to rotate in a substantially horizontal plane to provide vertical thrust and enable hovering and vertical takeoff operations.

(51) Propulsion assembly 46 may be adjustable such that an intensity and vector direction of propulsion device 50 may be modified. For example, pylon 54 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) to adjust a direction of thrust produced by propulsion device 50. For instance, each of pylons 54 may be individually and/or collectively adjustable to adjust a thrust angle of propulsion device(s) 50 to move airship 10 in three dimensions between, for example, a vertical plane for producing horizontal thrust and a horizontal plane for producing vertical thrust. In addition (or alternatively), where propulsion device 50 is configured as an adjustable airfoil (e.g., variable-pitch propellers), the angle of attack of propulsion device 50 may be adjusted to accomplish a complete thrust reversal. Propulsion device 50 may also be configured with, for example, vanes, ports, and/or other devices, such that a thrust generated by propulsion device 50 may be modified and directed in a desired direction.

(52) Landing Gear Assembly

(53) As shown in FIG. 3-4, landing gear assembly 18 may include a plurality of wheeled legs 56 arranged in a tricycle configuration. The tricycle configuration may provide stability to airship 10 during ground operations, as well as during landings and takeoffs. In an exemplary embodiment, legs 56 may not be retractable into hull 12, which may reduce a weight and complexity of landing gear assembly 18.

(54) FIGS. 9-10 further depict a leg 56 of landing gear assembly 18. Leg 56 may include a stanchion member 58 and a wheel 60. In order to reduce drag caused by the landing gear assembly 18 during flight, stanchion member 58 may be sheathed in lightweight aerodynamic fairings. Wheel 60 may include a tire, which may be a specially-adapted tire for use in certain environments (e.g., tundra, desert, mountains, etc.).

(55) In some embodiments, landing gear assembly 18 may be configured for use in mooring a grounded airship 10. For example, landing gear assembly 18 may be of sufficient strength to allow a mooring mechanism (e.g., a wire) to be secured between landing gear assembly 18 and the ground, helping to maintain airship 10 in one location and overcoming forces (e.g., wind forces) that may tend to force airship 10 away from its moored location.

(56) In some embodiments, landing gear assembly 18 may include features the help facilitate cargo exchange. For example, landing gear assembly 18 may be configured to change in length with respect to hull 12 (e.g., retract into hull 12, telescope into itself, etc.) such that gondola 20 may be lowered toward the ground, assisting with a cargo delivery/pickup/exchange process. In another example, wheels 60 may be configured to allow rolling movement in any direction, such as to allow a position of airship 10 to be adjusted on the ground in any direction, assisting with cargo exchange and or mooring of airship 10.

(57) Gondola

(58) FIG. 11 further depicts gondola 20 of airship 10. In an exemplary embodiment, gondola 20 may be affixed to a lower portion of airship 10 and include a cockpit 62 and a cargo bay 64. Cargo bay 64 may include an external cargo area 66 and an internal cargo area 68. Gondola 20 may be attached to support structure 26.

(59) In one embodiment, one or more support beams may span at least a portion of airship 10, such as a distance from a perimeter of hull 14 to gondola 20. The support beams may provide additional strength and rigidity to hull 12, as well as permit a load capacity that provides for a wide variety of uses for airship 10, including the safe transportation of heavy cargo. It should be understood, however, that gondola 20 may be connected to and supported by hull 12 in other manners.

(60) FIG. 12 further illustrates gondola 20, including an exemplary position of gondola 20 with respect to hull 12. In one embodiment, gondola 20 may be positioned near a center of hull 12, with cockpit 62 facing the nose of airship 10 and cargo bay 64 positioned behind cockpit 62. Gondola 20 may be approximately one third of an overall length of hull 12. Cockpit 62 may be positioned to provide good forward and side vision for flight crew, while also affording a good view aft, toward cargo bay 64.

(61) Gondola 20 may include a portion that may serve as a keel to which various cargo 70 may be attached. For example, gondola 20 may include a flat horizontal wall 72 separating external cargo area 66 from internal cargo area 68. Horizontal wall 72 may serve as a ceiling of external cargo area 66 and a floor of internal cargo area 68. An opening 74 in horizontal wall 72 may connect external cargo area 66 with internal cargo area 68. Cargo 70 may be lifted through opening 74 and secured to horizontal wall 72 (or elsewhere in internal cargo area 68). A door (not shown) may close opening 74. Cargo handling system 22 (FIGS. 16-21) may be configured to move cargo to and from the ground below, as well as around cargo bay 64, as will be described in more detail below.

(62) FIGS. 13-15 further depict cockpit 62, which may include at least one control station for controlling flight and cargo handling operations of airship 10. As shown in FIG. 13, cockpit 62 may be positioned at a front end of gondola 20 and include one or more windows facing toward an area in front of airship 10. A flight control station 76 may be positioned inside cockpit 62 such that an operator (e.g., pilot, co-pilot, etc.) may look out the front-facing windows while flying airship 10. As shown in FIG. 14, cockpit 62 may also include one or more windows facing rearwards toward a tail of airship 10. A cargo handling control station 78 may be positioned inside cockpit 62 such that an operator (e.g., pilot, co-pilot, load master, crew member, etc.) may see at least external cargo area 66 while controlling cargo handling system 22.

(63) FIG. 15 further depicts cockpit 62, including flight control station 76 and cargo handling control station 78. Flight control station 76 may include controls for an operator (e.g., a pilot and/or crew) to control one or more aspects of airship 10 related to flight (e.g., fin assembly 14, propulsion system 16, one or more features associated with gas cells 38 (e.g., valves), etc. For example, flight control station 76 may include controls for propulsion system 16 such that a pilot may maneuver airship 10 through a flight operation, including, for example, takeoff, flight to location, hovering and/or landing, etc.

(64) Cargo handling control station 78 may include controls that allow an operator to control at least one aspect of cargo handling system 22. For example, cargo handling control station 78 may include controls that allow an operator to perform one or more cargo handling operations, such as lowering a crane towards the ground, lifting the crane towards cargo bay 64, opening and/or closing one or more cargo locks to secure cargo 70 to horizontal wall 72, and the like. In one embodiment, cockpit 62 may include at least one seat 80 for an operator (e.g., a co-pilot) which may swivel between flight control station 76 and cargo handling control station 78. In this way, an operator may assist with a flying operation at one time, and then easily switch to control a cargo handling operation. For example, a co-pilot may assist a pilot with reaching a destination, and then, once the destination is reached, perform a cargo handling operation (e.g., exchange of cargo), such as while the pilot maintains the airship in a hover above a delivery location.

(65) Cargo Handling System

(66) FIGS. 16-21 depict various exemplary features of cargo handling system 22. In an exemplary embodiment, cargo handling system 22 may include at least one hoisting mechanism 82 configured to lift cargo 70 from the ground to cargo bay 64 and lower cargo 70 from cargo bay 64 to the ground. As used herein, cargo 70 may be considered on the ground if it is at least partially supported by the ground, including cargo that is stacked, supported by a truck, etc. Cargo handling system 22 may allow for quick and efficient delivery and/or exchange of cargo 70.

(67) FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary hoisting mechanism 82 that may be used in conjunction with cargo handling system 22. In one embodiment, hoisting mechanism 82 may include a two-rail crane 84. Two-rail crane 84 may include a pair of rails 86 and a hoist 88 configured to move longitudinally along rails 86 (e.g., via an electric motor), thereby allowing a position of hoist 88 to be adjusted. Hoist 88 may include a mechanism configured to lower and raise a cargo attachment member 90. Two-rail crane 84 may be controllable via cargo handling control station 78. FIG. 17 further depicts cargo handling system 22, including hoisting mechanism 82 connected to cargo 70 on the ground.

(68) FIG. 18 depicts cargo bay 64, including a tunnel 92 formed in horizontal wall 72. In an exemplary embodiment, two hoists 88 may be positioned in tunnel 92. For example, one hoist 88 may be configured to move on a horizontal track above a second hoist 88 to allow either hoist 88 to move forward or aft as necessary to raise or lower cargo 70. Hoists 88 may include heavy-duty winches and container handling equipment adapted to move cargo 70.

(69) In an exemplary embodiment, hoists 88 may be configured to be secured to various types of cargo 70. For example, hoists 88 may be configured to be attached to standard-size shipping containers (e.g., 20-foot or 40-foot shipping containers). In addition, hoists 88 may be configured to be attached to other cargo, such as bags for liquid (e.g., fuel, etc.) and loose solids (gravel, ore, etc.). In some embodiments, hoists 88 may be configured to accommodate cargo nets, allowing many other forms of cargo (e.g., odd-shaped individual items, boxes, barrels, pallets, etc.).

(70) As shown in FIG. 18, hoisting mechanism 82 may be configured to lift cargo 70 and position cargo 70 snug against horizontal wall 72. In this way, at least some cargo 70 may be held in external cargo area 66. FIGS. 19-21 depict an exemplary locking mechanism 94 that may be used to secure cargo 70 in external cargo area 66. In one embodiment, locking mechanism 94 may include a twist-lock device 96.

(71) As shown in FIG. 19, twist-lock device 96 may include a projection 98 configured to project from cargo 70 or horizontal wall 72 and be inserted in a recess (not shown) in the other of cargo 70 or horizontal wall 72. As shown in FIG. 20, a rotatable member 100 may be a portion of projection 98 and configured to rotate, thereby preventing rotatable member 100 from being removed from the recess. Projection 98 may be retracted when not in use, as shown in FIG. 21.

(72) In some embodiments, at least one hoist 88 of hoisting mechanism 82 may be configured to lift other cargo 70 through opening 74 in horizontal wall 72, and place cargo 70 at a desired location inside internal cargo area 68 (e.g., on horizontal wall 72, suspended from support structure 26, etc.). FIG. 12 depicts various cargo 70 within internal cargo area 68, which may be positioned for convenience of delivery and/or to evenly distribute weight across airship 10.

(73) Flight Control System

(74) Whether configured for manned, un-manned, and/or automated flight, airship 10 may, according to some embodiments, be controlled by a computer 200. For example, stabilizing fins 44 and propulsion assemblies 46, among other things, may be controlled by a computer 200. FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer 200 consistent with the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, computer 200 may include a processor 205, a disk 210, an input device 215, a multi-function display (MFD) 220, an optional external device 225, and interface 230. Computer 200 may include more or fewer components as desired. In this exemplary embodiment, processor 205 includes a CPU 235, which is connected to a random access memory (RAM) unit 240, a display memory unit 245, a video interface controller (VIC) unit 250, and an input/output (I/O) unit 255. The processor may also include other components.

(75) In this exemplary embodiment, disk 210, input device 215, MFD 220, optional external device 225, and interface 230 are connected to processor 205 via I/O unit 255. Further, disk 210 may contain a portion of information that may be processed by processor 205 and displayed on MFD 220. Input device 215 includes the mechanism by which a user and/or system associated with airship 10 may access computer 200. Optional external device 225 may allow computer 200 to manipulate other devices via control signals. For example, a fly-by-wire or fly-by-light system may be included allowing control signals to be sent to optional external devices, including, for example, servo motors associated with propulsion unit mounts 52 and stabilizing fins 44. “Control signals,” as used herein, may mean any analog, digital, and/or signals in other formats configured to cause operation of an element related to control of airship 10 (e.g., a signal configured to cause operation of one or more control surfaces associated with airship 10). “Fly-by-wire,” as used herein, means a control system wherein control signals may be passed in electronic form over an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper wire). Such a system may include a computer 200 between the operator controls and the final control actuator or surface, which may modify the inputs of the operator in accordance with predefined software programs. “Fly-by-light,” as used herein, means a control system where control signals are transmitted similarly to fly-by-wire (i.e., including a computer 200), but wherein the control signals may transmitted via light over a light conducting material (e.g., fiber optics).

(76) According to some embodiments, interface 230 may allow computer 200 to send and/or receive information other than by input device 215. For example, computer 200 may receive signals indicative of control information from flight controls 220, a remote control, and/or any other suitable device. Computer 200 may then process such commands and transmit appropriate control signals accordingly to various systems associated with airship 10 (e.g., fin assembly 14, propulsion system 16, etc.). Computer 200 may also receive weather and/or ambient condition information from sensors associated with airship 10 (e.g., altimeters, navigation radios, pitot tubes, etc.) and utilize such information for generating control signals associated with operating airship 10 (e.g., signals related to trim, yaw, and/or other adjustments).

(77) In an exemplary embodiment, computer 200 may receive pilot control signals from flight control station 76, interpret the control signals, and produce a control signal to cause one or more features of airship 10 to respond in a manner intended by the pilot. In this way, a pilot may perform flight operations associated with airship 10. For example, a pilot may fly airship from one location to another to deliver, pickup, and/or exchange cargo 70.

(78) FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary display 260, which may be used in conjunction with flight control system 24 to allow a pilot to perform a flight operation, such as a hover operation. Display 260 may provide a user (e.g., a pilot) with a combination of a forward view and a downward vertical view of conditions around airship 10. In this way, the pilot may control both a vertical and horizontal positioning of airship 10 during a hover. In one embodiment, display 260 may include a representation 265 of a hover pad, such that display 260 indicates a position and an acceleration of airship 10 relative to a hover pad below, further assisting the pilot with maintaining a three-dimensional position during a hover operation. In some embodiments, computer 200 may assist the pilot with flight operations.

(79) For example, it may be desirable for computer 200 to transmit in-flight signals configured to, for example, correct course heading and/or assist in stabilizing airship 10 independent of an operator of airship 10. For example, computer 200 may calculate, based on inputs from various sensors (e.g., altimeter, pitot tubes, anemometers, etc.), a wind speed and direction associated with ambient conditions surrounding airship 10. Based on such information, computer 200 may determine a set of operational parameters that may maintain stability of airship 10. In an exemplary embodiment, computer 200 may provide automated control that includes surge and heave control for maintaining the airship in the hovering state.

(80) In an exemplary embodiment, flight control system 24 may further include various features that allow for the planning of a future flight operation. For example, computer 200 may be configured to estimate environmental factors associated with a cargo transfer location during a future time period associated with a flight mission. Computer 200 may be configured determine an effect of these estimated environmental factors on flight parameters of airship 10. For example, computer 200 may be configured to estimate an effect on aerostatic lift and airship stability.

(81) In some embodiments, computer 200 may be configured to determine a route map for the flight mission, such as a flight mission for delivering and/or picking up cargo 70. Computer 200 may consider any determined effect of estimated environmental factors when determining the route map, including determining a particular time frame that may be best suited for the flight mission. Further, an anticipated cargo transfer mode, such as whether the flight mission will include a landed exchange or a hovering exchange, may be considered by computer 200 when determining a route map with time frame. Computer 200 may be configured to display a determined route map on a display associated with airship 10.

(82) In some embodiments, airship 10 may be configured to consider environmental factors at a destination location (e.g., a delivery site) when determining a route map for a flight mission. In order to consider the environmental factors, flight control system 24 may include at least one weather detection device configured to transmit environmental condition data to computer 200. In one embodiment, the weather detection device may be permanently installed at a particular destination location (e.g., a delivery site at which regular deliveries are made). In another embodiment, the weather detection device may be portable and may be configured to be transported by the airship. In this way, one or more weather detection devices may be sent to a delivery site ahead of a planned flight mission and set-up for detection of environmental factors. Computer 200 may use the detected environmental factors in planning a route map, and may be used by the pilot in executing a flight mission. After a delivery is completed, the one or more weather detection devices may be secured as cargo to airship 10 and transported back their previous location.

(83) Mooring/Tethering System

(84) When airships, such as airship 10, are on the ground, it may be difficult to maintain a stationary location. The lifting force provided by the gas in gas cells 38 and wind forces exerted on hull 12 may tend to move airship 10 as it sits on the ground. In order to help keep airship 10 in one location, a mooring system 270 may be used. FIG. 24 depicts a top view of airship 10 located on the ground G. A plurality of mooring pads 272 may be arranged on a suitable ground surface. Mooring pads 272 may be concrete pads formed flush with the ground G.

(85) In one embodiment, each of the three legs 56 of landing gear assembly 18 may include a securing winch. A securing cable 274 may run from the each winch to a mooring pad 272. Mooring pads 272 may include steel rings to which securing cables 274 may be attached. A crew member, such as the pilot, may operate the winches to tighten securing cables 274. In an exemplary embodiment, mooring pads 272 may be arranged such that, when securing cables 274 are tightened, legs 56 are located directly over a mooring pad 272, thereby holding airship 10 tightly in place.

(86) In another embodiment, mooring system 270 may include a mechanism by which front landing gear leg 56 of landing gear assembly 18 may be moored to a hard point (e.g., on a flying field). The front landing gear leg 56 would thereby serve as the point about which airship 10 would move horizontally during wind directional changes.

(87) There are other situations and configurations by which airship 10 may be moored to ground G. For example, when cargo transfers are conducted while hovering in strong wind conditions, it may be necessary to provide some assistance in maintaining airship 10 in a relatively stationary location. FIGS. 25-26 illustrate one exemplary assistance mechanism in the form of a tether cable 280. Tether cable 280 may be secured to airship 10 (e.g., the front landing gear of landing gear assembly 18) and a hard point on the ground (e.g., a mooring pad 272), approximately one length L in front of the ship, for example. Tether cable 280, which may be attached to a swivel mount in the ground, helps to hold airship 10 against strong steady winds or strong wind gusts, obviating the need for rapid re-vectoring of propulsion assemblies 46 or making sudden changes in output power. Tether cable 280 also tends to bring airship 10 back to a stable position directly downwind from the cable anchor point, enhancing the horizontal positional stability of airship 10.

(88) As wind gusts increase and decrease, airship 10 may experience a “blow down” effect by which the airship 10 is forced downward in altitude. But because tether cable 280 may be secured to a loading portion of airship 10 (e.g., landing gear assembly 18), tether cable 280 may act as a stabilizing restraint against any pitching motion caused by wind gusts. For example, tether cable 280 acts as a general damper against movement in three dimensions. The dampening provides additional time for the pilot to control propulsion system 16 to counter the influences of the wind.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(89) The airship of the present disclosure may be adapted for use in any of a variety of operations while providing various advantages over other options. In one aspect, an airship of the present disclosure may be adapted for the transport of cargo, especially heavy cargo to be delivered to or picked up from a location that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Examples of such remote locations may include a tundra region, an arctic region, or a desert region.

(90) In one example, an airship consistent with disclosed embodiments may be useful in reaching remote mining locations, pipelines in the arctic, impoverished areas in need of food and water, and other areas that are not otherwise easily accessed via ground vehicle or airplane and/or could not easily receive shipments of heavy cargo.

(91) In another example, an airship of the present disclosure may be used to provide a large facility on-demand, wherever and whenever needed. For instance, an airship may be equipped as a mobile medical facility that may travel to an area of need (e.g., a location of a disease outbreak) and be large enough to provide shelter and services to many people, obviating the need to build a stationary facility.

(92) Airship 10 of the present disclosure includes various features that enable safe and efficient delivery, pickup, and/or exchange of cargo 70. For example, the size and weight capacity of airship 10 allows for one-stop delivery and/or pickup of numerous and/or heavy cargo. Further, the specially-designed and tested shape of hull 12, the arrangement of fin assembly 14, and the configuration of propulsion system 10 allows airship 10, despite its size, to easily perform a variety of flight operations and maneuvers, including a hover operation in which airship 10 is controlled to remain in a relatively steady three-dimensional location while a cargo transfer takes place below.

(93) Further, the arrangement and configuration of gondola 20 and cargo handling system 22 allow for a quick and efficient cargo transfer, such as during a hover operation. For example, cockpit 62, equipped with easily-accessed cargo handling control station 78, may allow a crew member (e.g., a co-pilot) to quickly switch from a flight operation to a cargo handling operation, simply by looking out a window facing cargo bay 64. The crew member may operate controls to manipulate one or more features of cargo handling operation, working with other crew members (e.g., crew on the ground) to perform a cargo transfer.

(94) Further, the availability of external cargo area 66 allows for quick lowering and/or lifting of cargo 70 to execute a transfer. In addition, external cargo area 66 allows for transport of standardized cargo, such as 20- or 40-foot shipping containers that are normally transported on ships or land-based vehicles. In one embodiment, external cargo area 66 may be sized to accommodate three 20-foot shipping containers. In another embodiment, airship 10 may be sized and arranged such that external cargo area 66 may accommodate six 40-foot shipping containers.

(95) FIG. 27 depicts airship 10 during an exemplary flight operation. For example, airship 10 may be preparing for a cargo delivery operation at destination site 300. Flight control system 24 and a flight crew may operate airship 10 to takeoff from an origination location (e.g., a location where cargo 70 is picked up for delivery) and travel to destination site 300, taking into account various factors such as environmental factors and a cargo transfer mode. These considerations allow airship 10 to adapt to various flight missions, such that airship 10 may be used to exchange cargo in a variety of different situations. These situations may include landed load exchanges and hovering load exchanges. Further, these situations may include cargo transfer at locations that are specially equipped for such operations (e.g., sites that are well-prepared for a delivery/pickup/exchange, such as sites that are regularly visited by airship 10) and cargo transfer at locations that are not adapted for a cargo transfer (e.g., sites that are not regularly visited by airship 10 and/or have no infrastructure in place for assisting the operation).

(96) An exemplary cargo transport operation will now be described. Airship 10 may be moored overnight at an origination location. On-board sensors may communicate with computer 200 to monitor essential airship systems. For example, computer 200 may monitor gas pressure and purity in gas cells 38, superheat percentage of gas, overall heaviness and/or lightness of airship 10, temperature of power sources 48, fuel tanks, and fuel lines. Flight control system 24 may include monitoring systems configured to send messages to “on call” personnel to inform them of any issues that may occur while airship 10 is moored.

(97) At the beginning of a flight operation, flight control system 24 may communicate with on-board instrumentation to determine a static heaviness (or lightness) of airship 10. This information may be important for maintaining a predetermined heaviness that allows for efficient and safe flight of airship 10. Crew of airship 10 may use an airship environmental planning tool to further prepare for the flight. For example, the crew may review a route map generated by flight control system 24, including a predictive assessment of conditions at a destination site (e.g., based on weather detection devices that are located at the destination site). The route map may provide an optimum heading, speed, and altitude that will minimize an impact of local weather on each leg of an airship flight operation.

(98) In addition, planning for the flight operation may include analysis of cargo to be delivered and/or picked up at the destination site 300. In particular, because airship 10 may need to be loaded to a certain level to allow for safe flight, ballast determinations may be made to determine what will make up for absence of cargo (e.g., prior to pick-up or after delivery). Ballast may include concrete blocks, for example, that are secured in cargo bay 64 (e.g., held in external cargo area 66). Alternatively, ballast may be attached to an external hook installed on cockpit 62 nearest forward landing gear of landing gear assembly 18. This arrangement would leave cargo bay 64 and hoisting mechanism 82 open and available for attaching any cargo 70 for delivery.

(99) If there is cargo 70 for delivery, a member of the crew may operate cargo handling system 22 to secure cargo 70 in cargo bay 64. For example, an operator may lower one or more hoists 88 of hoisting mechanism 82 to the ground to allow an attachment member 90 to be secured to cargo 70. Thereafter, hoist 88 may be lifted with cargo 70, placing it in a desired location within cargo bay 64. For example, cargo 70 may be lifted up into external cargo area 66, contacting horizontal wall 72. An operator may remotely control locking mechanism 94 to secure cargo 70 to horizontal wall 72.

(100) After various flight checks are made, the flight crew (e.g., pilot and co-pilot) may prepare for and execute a takeoff operation. The takeoff operation may be a vertical takeoff or a running takeoff, depending on the parameters of airship 10 at the time and the available infrastructure at the origination site (e.g., presence of a runway). The flight crew may control propulsion system 16 to modify a thrust vector associated with propulsion assemblies 46, thereby causing airship 10 to fly away from the origination site on the planned route.

(101) As airship 10 approaches destination site 300, the crew may prepare for a cargo transfer operation. As described herein, the cargo transfer operation may be a hovering load exchange or a landed load exchange. In some embodiments, flight control system 24 may continuously receive environmental condition data and provide the information to the flight crew for consideration during flight and approach to destination site 300. In addition, the computer 200 may consider a heaviness of airship 10 and determine whether ballast or trim adjustments are necessary. The flight crew and flight control system 24 may work together to bring airship 10 to a location above destination site 300, such as a location approximately equal to the length L of airship 10 above destination site 300.

(102) From this position, a crew member sits in seat 80 and turns to face cargo bay 64. This crew member may operate cargo handling control station 78 to assist with the cargo transfer. Meanwhile, another crew member may operate flight control station 76 to maintain airship 10 within an acceptable degree of deviation from the location above destination site 300.

(103) The crew member may operate cargo handling control station 78 to manipulate cargo handling system 22 to perform a cargo transfer. In one example, a first hoist 88 may be connected to cargo to be lowered to the ground (“delivery cargo”) and a second hoist 88 may be unattached to any cargo. The second hoist 88 may be lowered to the ground and connected to cargo or ballast being picked-up (“return cargo”). The crew member operating cargo handling system 22 may begin to lower the delivery cargo to the ground. Once connected, the hoist tension of the second hoist 88 is increased on the return cargo to approximately 50% of the weight of the delivery cargo. The tension on the return cargo is increased while the tension on the delivery cargo is slackened to 50% weight. The operating crew member then quickly increases tension on the return cargo to 100% and reduces tension on the delivery cargo to 0%. The return cargo is the hoisted up toward airship 10, and the attachment member 90 is detached from the delivery cargo and the first hoist 88 is pulled back up to airship 10. The process may be repeated until all the cargo transfer is complete.

(104) If a landed load exchange is to be conducted, the flight crew may work in conjunction with flight control system 24 to and airship 10 at destination site 300. For example, computer 200 may receive environmental condition data from a weather detection device, such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, direction, and gust information, etc. Computer 200 may use this information to assist with a landing of airship 10. After airship 10 lands, a crew member may operate cargo handling system 22 to exchange delivery cargo (or ballast) with return cargo (or ballast) in a manner similar to that described above. Airship 10 may subsequently takeoff and travel to the next destination location.

(105) Although, for purposes of this disclosure, certain disclosed features are shown in some figures but not in others, it is contemplated that, to the extent possible, the various features disclosed herein may be implemented by each of the disclosed, exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, differing features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as being mutually exclusive to different embodiments unless explicitly specified herein or such mutual exclusivity is readily understood, by one of ordinary skill in the art, to be inherent in view of the nature of the given features.

(106) While the presently disclosed device and method have been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step, or steps to the objective, spirit, and scope of the present invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.