GB211334A - Improvements in or relating to airships - Google Patents

Abstract

211,334. Parker, H. F. Feb. 6, 1923. Aerostats; framework.-The framework of the gas envelope of an airship comprises a series of rigid longitudinal members and flexible connections arranged so that when the container is inflated the connections are placed in tension, thereby preventing relative movement of the longitudinals and forming a rigid framework. The framework may be divided into a series of connected rigid bays each containing a gas cell. the longitudinal members being articulated between the bays. In the construction shown, three longitudinals 1, 2, 3 are arranged triangularly with the apex of the triangle pointing downwards. Bracing wires 4, 5, 6 connecting the longitudinals divide the framework into bays which are bounded at each end by tie wires 7, 8, 9. The longitudinals consist of lattice girders articulated between the bays by means of hinges d, Fig 6, placed on their interior faces. According to modified constructions, the longitudinals may be articulated between the bays by means of universal joints or thin metal plates. The framework may be constructed of steel. The gas cells 10, which are located substantially within the framework, are of trefoil form and are surrounded by network comprising transverse and longitudinal wires 11, 12, or, alternatively, bulging may be prevented by substituting for the transverse wires 11, transverse fibres in the gas cell envelopes. An outer cover 13 is also provided, spaced from the cells 10 by longitudinal webs 14, air under pressure being introduced into the space. The shape of the gas cells may also be maintained in known manner by means of an inflatable ballonet placed in the lower part of the envelope. Modifications are described in which the gas cells are divided (1) into three separate portions constituted by the two lower lobes, and the upper lobe and central portion combined, or (2) into four separate portions constituted by the three lobes and the central portion. In these modifications a fabric curtain is stretched across the bottom of the envelope and attached to the side cells. The load may be carried directly by or suspended from the framework. The framework may be connected at the forepart to a nose reinforcement and at the rear to a rigid tail section. Transverse bulk heads may also be provided to assist the gas cells in taking pressure loads. A modification is described in which the framework is constructed with the apex of the triangle at the top. In this case the netting 11, 12 need not extend below the base longitudinals.