Patent ID: 11066146

Abstract:
A propulsor and control system for a Lighter Than Air (LTA) aircraft having annular fore and aft circumferential shrouds surrounding the aircraft body. The fore and aft circumferential shrouds form respective fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps between the fore and aft circumferential shrouds and the LTA aircraft body. Fore and aft propulsor blades are situated substantially or completely within the fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps. The blades counter-rotate in one embodiment. The fore and aft circumferential ring propulsors can have front control vanes located in front of the respective propulsors blade sets, and back control vanes located behind the respective propulsors to control the direction of the flow of air in order to maneuver the LTA aircraft. Magnetic levitation may be used to actuate the propulsor blade sets.