Patent ID: 8245966
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: B64B

Abstract:
1. A propulsion unit for an airship, comprising: a gimbal assembly having a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on the airship, the gimbal assembly comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring being pivotable on a first pivot axis relative to the outer ring, and the outer ring being pivotable relative to the mounting frame on a second pivot axis at substantially right angles to the first axis; a driveshaft having an inner section coupled to a prime mover for rotation, and an outer section coaxial with an axis of the gimbal assembly coupled to the inner section by a constant velocity joint at a pivot centre of the gimbal assembly; a propeller unit mounted to the inner ring on the gimbal, and including a propeller affixed to the second section of the drive shaft; a first actuator to adjust the orientation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring; and a second actuator to adjust the orientation of the outer ring relative to the mounting frame; whereby the axis of rotation of the propeller can be controlled about a position coinciding with the axis of the first section of the driveshaft.