Michael J Melnyk

US Patent:

20130193266, Aug 1, 2013

Filed:

Mar 14, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/803438

Inventors:

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation - Falls Church VA, US
Theodore W. Hilgeman - Centerport NY, US
Alice DiBiasio - Smithtown NY, US
Thomas J. Hunt - Centereach NY, US
Douglas R. Frei - Setauket NY, US
Roy A. Charletta - Smithtown NY, US
Michael Melnyk - Centerport NY, US

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation - Falls Church VA

International Classification:

B64B 1/00
B64B 1/50

US Classification:

244 30, 244 33

Abstract:

An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.