Prototype Rigid Aeroshell Variable Buoyancy (RAVB) Air Vehicle - Project Pelican
Abstract
Project Pelican is a non-deployable airship technology demonstrator that integrates independent technologies into a single, rigid aeroshell variable buoyancy (RAVB) vehicle. Pelican will demonstrate the technical maturity of a scalable vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Key technologies to be demonstrated include a buoyancy management system to enable ballast-independent operations, composite lightweight rigid external structure, a responsive low-speed/hover control system, and a ground handling subsystem to enable operations on unimproved landing surfaces. The program seeks to reduce risk by integrating and demonstrating a suite of technologies with the potential to reduce operational constraints on future heavy-lift, buoyant-aircraft development programs. Success may lead to a nascent class of air vehicle which will radically reduce energy use per ton-mile, permit high-payload operations in austere regions with little infrastructure, and enable long-endurance manned or unmanned air operations. RAVB aircraft appear to be scalable to payloads of 500-1,000 tons (compared with payloads in the 125-ton range for the largest current US cargo aircraft). In addition, RAVB aircraft may also reduce need for intermodal transportation as cargo moves from origin to point of need, with corresponding reduction in delivery times.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- b961638b1a7b4382b3cb237cd94671ae
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