INVESTIGATION OF POWERED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR-VEHICLES.

Vorachek, Jerome J.

INVESTIGATION OF POWERED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR-VEHICLES.

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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

Author(s):

Vorachek, Jerome J.

Author Organization(s):

GOODYEAR AEROSPACE CORP AKRON OHIO

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 14 Nov 66-27 Nov 68,

Pagination:

0110

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:

Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR

Identifying Numbers

Report Number(s):

GER-14076, AFCRL-68-0626

Contract/Grant Number(s):

F19628-67-C-0047

Task Number(s):

666507

Project Number(s):

AF-6665

Monitor Series:

68-0626

Subject Terms

Communities of Interest:

Air Platforms

Descriptor(s):

*AIRSHIPS, *BALLOONS, AIRFRAMES, PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING), POWER, PROPULSION SYSTEMS, HIGH ALTITUDE, AERODYNAMIC CONFIGURATIONS, ELECTRIC PROPULSION, AIRSPEED, SOLAR CELLS, RADIO EQUIPMENT, GAS TURBINES, PRIMARY BATTERIES

Field(s)/Group(s):

Lighter-than-air Aircraft

Report Date:

1968 Nov 27