Douglas W Hubbard

US Patent:

20070205330, Sep 6, 2007

Filed:

Jan 11, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/330018

Inventors:

Douglas Hubbard - Glen Ellyn IL, US

Assignee:

Hubbard Aerospace, LLC - Glen Ellyn IL

International Classification:

B64G 1/40

US Classification:

244171100

Abstract:

An airship is disclosed that stores air and uses it in a propulsion system that requires oxygen. This allows the airship to travel above the atmosphere, where oxygen is not available. The airship maximizes known mature technologies such as the buoyancy of a lighter than air balloon and the aerodynamic lift and propulsion of an airplane, until the altitude renders these technologies ineffective. The modified airship uses the stored air to extend transportation operations above natural limits and permit high-speed travel beyond traditional atmospheric speeds. Entering the edge of space at high tangential velocity permits placement of payloads into orbit. Entering the edge of space at low tangential velocity presents opportunities for low energy plane changes in orbital inclination. The modified airship may also alter the aerodynamic shape as desired in flight. The airship takes off, leaves and re-enters the atmosphere and lands without specialized launch facilities or long landing strips. The reusable vehicle provides transportation services from point to point on the earth surface and from the earth to points in space.