GB191311207A - Improvements in Dirigible Air Ships and the like. - Google Patents

Abstract

11,207. Armstrong, J. A. May 13 Aerial machines with aerostats; aerostats; cars; shock of landing, deadening; propelling.-A dirigible air-ship is provided with a rigid central member or backbone 1, secured to which are struts formed of ribs 2 connected together directly or by bracing, each set of ribs being stayed by tie rods or wires 3. The ribs may form cradles for the gas envelopes 4, which are surrounded by netting 5 and are held in place by netting 6. The backbone 1 may be a spar, bamboo, or metal, and may be tubular or of star or cluster section. When tubular, the backbone may be used as a vacuum or pressure reservoir, and when an open structure is used a ballonet may be enclosed therein. The gas envelopes may be partitioned and be reefed or furled so as to diminish the lifting capacity. A single cover 7 with internal envelopes 4 may be used. Extensions 8 of the ribs are secured to rings 9 encircling the car 17. A D- or C-shaped spring may be used below the car to deaden shock. A propeller 11, which may be of the kind described in Specification 9381/10, is mounted on the backbone. Other propellers may be mounted on the car. An electromotor 12 driven by a dynamo and internal-combustion motor in the car may be used with the propeller 11. Wings, rudders, fins, or sails 14 may be fitted between the balloons. Means may be provided for deflating the envelopes so as to balance the weight of fuel, projectiles, &c. expended. Steering; planes, arrangement of. - Steering- planes 14, Figs. 1 and 6, are carried in bearings 18 on the central member 1 and the ends of the ribs 2. The planes may turn about a single axis or be carried by two cranks, as shown in Fig. 6, to act as an elevator.