GB323069A - Improvements in and relating to aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

323,069. Hambling, F. W. B. Oct. 18, 1928. Aerial machines with aerostats; aerostats; land wheels; planes, arrangement of; propelling; steering, balancing, and regulating altitude. - Aircraft which are supported wholly or in part by one or more gas-filled bodies have these bodies shaped as spheres or wheels or as a combination of the two shapes, and these bodies are arranged to be used as supports on land or water and as a means of obtaining or assisting to obtain horizontal and vertical motion in the air. In one form an aircraft comprises four gas-filled bodies a fitted with fins b and rotated by shafting and gear f from power means contained in a central girder e. Balancing planes c and balancing screws d may be fitted at the outer ends of the axle. Steering is effected by the use of pivoted axles or wheels which may be swivelled by hand or power-actuated means. A grooved disc g provided at the outer ends of the axles engages projections on the fins b and may be rotated to change the zone over which the fins b are extended. Gearing may be fitted to enable the wheels a to be rotated in opposite directions. The wheels a may contain ballonettes which revolve with them or which remain stationary. A separate tyre shaped ballonette may be fitted on the rim of the wheel and gas-filled tubular spokes may be used in their construction. Passengers and crew are carried in the girder e or alternatively, when one body a only is employed, may be carried in a car suspended from the axle but clear of the ground. An elongated gas-filled aerostat may be added or substituted for the girder e. Tractor airscrews may be added and placed at the front of the girder e.