Abstract

A hybrid lift air vehicle for lifting and transporting a payload to a delivery location, which comprises a helium or other lighter-than-air gas filled envelope mounted on an airframe. Variable and reversible vertical thrusters are positioned on the airframe, and at least two variable and reversible lateral thrusters are mounted on the envelope or mounted on truss arms attached and extending out from the airframe, wherein, when the vehicle is connected to the payload for transport, the helium or other lighter-than-air gas supports or substantially supports the weight of the vehicle and the vertical thrusters are then continuously engaged to support the weight of the payload and to provide lift to the payload, wherein the lateral thrusters are then engaged to effect lateral movement of the vehicle to the delivery location, whereby, once at the delivery location, the lift provided by the variable and reversible vertical thrusters is reduced or reversed so as to allow the air vehicle to descend and the payload to again engage the ground surface, and where necessary, the variable and reversible vertical thrusters may be reversed to facilitate the unloading of the payload from the vehicle, the vehicle continuing to be kept aloft, once unloaded, by the helium or other lighter than air gas. In this manner, the vehicle utilizes the helium or lighter than air gas to offset or substantially offset the weight of the vehicle, the vertical thrusters providing the power to lift the payload.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64B 1/30 - Arrangement of propellers
• B66F 11/00 - Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for