Patent ID: 6568631
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: B64B,B64F

Abstract:
A method of launching inflatable airship apparatus for subsequent ascent to high altitude for operation as an airship having a hull formed from an inflated flexible gas containment envelope, payload means, drive means mounted at the stern of the hull and cable suspension means, for supporting the payload means within the hull, connected to said drive means and to the hull at, or adjacent to, a nose portion of the hull, the method comprising partially inflating said gas containment envelope with a lighter than air gaseous medium to cause said nose portion to fill with said gaseous medium and to rise within a vertical launch enclosure to position the partially inflated gas containment envelope in a launch position, and subsequently releasing the partially inflated gas containment envelope from its launch position through an open top of the vertical enclosure so that the envelope ascends clear of the vertical enclosure and lifts the payload means and drive means by means of the cable suspension means.