Inventors:
Jerry A. Krill - Ellicott City MD, US
Michael W. Roth - Columbia MD, US
Frederick W. Riedel - Columbia MD, US
Matthew R. Feinstein - Bethesda MD, US
Margaret Ann Darrin - Westminster MD, US
Rafal P. Szczepanowski - Hanover MD, US
Vincent F. Neradka - Bethesda MD, US
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore MD
International Classification:
B64B 1/00
US Classification:
244 2, 244 5, 244 63, 244125, 244126, 89 111, 455431
Abstract:
An airship deployment system comprises an airship of unique shape having laminar flow over this shape to enable low power propulsion, capable remote control, comprising an inflatable body; a propeller assembly for station keeping and repositioning said airship and capable of being folded into a compacted position and unfolded into an operational position; and a payload, comprising gas for inflating said inflatable body; and means for transferring data between said airship and a remote location; and a missile for carrying said airship in a compacted state to a predetermined location and altitude, and releasing said airship at said predetermined location and altitude. When said airship is released from said missile said inflatable body is inflated and said propeller assembly is unfolded into said operational position.