INVESTIGATION OF POWERED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR-VEHICLES.
Abstract
A study of previously built LTA aircraft led to a comparison study of two concepts for a high-altitude mission, both powered with air-breathing engines: the first an aerodynamically shaped airship flown to and from the 70,000 foot design altitude; the second a naturally shaped balloon, free-ballooning to altitude, powered for 24 hours against 10 knot winds, and payload and powerplant parachuted to earth after the flight. The air-breathing engines appeared marginal on normal fuels, but the advantages of smaller total volume and lower constructional cost clearly favored the naturally shaped balloon for this 10-knot wind requirement. A parametric study of this naturally shaped balloon, electrically-powered, was undertaken. Boundaries were 60,000 to 100,000 feet altitude, airspeeds 0 to 45 knots, and flight durations 12 to 96 hours. The altitude and time limits can be achieved at an airspeed of 15 knots. For this shaped balloon, 45-knot speeds are not practical. It is recommended that the naturally shaped balloon with electric propulsion system be built and flown to demonstrate the concept. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 27, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0680829
Entities
People
- Jerome J. Vorachek
Organizations
- Goodyear Aerospace