Patent ID: 6293493
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B64B

Abstract:
A non-rigid semi-buoyant vehicle comprising:a pressure stabilized gasbag having a longitudinal, vertical and horizontal axis, top, bottom and side surfaces and front and rear ends and an aerodynamic shape capable of producing lift;first and second catenary curtains attached to said top and bottom surfaces between said sides of said gasbag on either side of said longitudinal axis, said first and second catenary curtains extending from said front end along a first portion from said front end along a first portion of said gasbag,said first and second catenary curtains transitioning to a Y shaped portion aft of said first portion of said gasbag and extending over a second portion of said gasbag; the arms of each of said Y shaped portion attached to said top surface and the leg attached to said bottom surface of said gasbag;each of said Y shaped portions of said first and second catenary curtains transitioning to pairs of vertical catenary curtains aft of said second portion and extending over a third portion of said gasbag from said second portion to said rear end of said gasbag, said pairs of vertical catenary curtains extending over said third portion attached by their top and bottom ends to the top and bottom surfaces respectively of said gasbag; andsecondary vertical catenary curtains positioned on either side of each vertical catenary curtain of each of said pairs of vertical catenary curtains, said secondary catenary curtains extending from said rear end forward over a portion of said third portion of said gasbag, said secondary catenary curtains attached at their top and bottom ends to said top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of said gasbag.