Patent ID: 8459589
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: B64B

Abstract:
1. An airship system, comprising: an inflatable airship having a hull of predetermined volume adapted to be filled with gas and to rise to a predetermined altitude, said hull formed from an inflated flexible gas containment primary envelope which forms a space therein; a plurality of propulsion systems mounted on said hull; a plurality of lifting envelopes located within the hull for containing the lifting gas, wherein said plurality of lifting envelopes expand to substantially occupy the space of the primary envelope when the hull is at its predetermined altitude; a single air envelope located within the hull, which can be inflated when said hull is at lower altitudes to substantially occupy the space of the primary envelope when the hull is at ground level; and at least one external air handling system attached outside of said inflatable airship, said at least one external air handling system moves air into and out of said single air envelope, said at least one air handling system comprising a reversible blower to move air into and out of said single air envelope as needed during ascent and descent of the airship system.