GB366953A - Improvements relating to aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

366,953. Aircraft comprising an aeroplane and balloon. HARDIN, G. W., Greeneville, Tennessee, U.S.A. Nov. 7, 1930, No. 33602. Convention date, Nov. 7, 1929. [Class 4.] A balloon carrying a compartment for the pilot &c. is normally coupled to an aeroplane having controls operated from the compartment, means being provided for detaching the aeroplane in an emergency to enable a landing to be effected without it. A balloon comprising an envelope 6 containing gas bags 37 has a compartment 31 and two frusto-pyramidal projections 8 on its under surface which normally engage corresponding depressions in the fuselage 1 of an aeroplane having two propellers, beneath wings 2, and the usual controls. The two parts are secured together by bolts 13 sliding in ball bearings in tubes 9, 11 which are in alignment when the projections 8 are seated in their corresponding recesses. The compartment 31 has an opening to enable the aeroplane controls to be operated, and a lever 28 projecting from the aeroplane into the compartment enables ratchet gear to be actuated for withdrawing the bolts 13 which move along guides 18. Certain of the gas bags have tubes 40 leading to valves actuated by levers radiating from cords passing through a central tube 42 to enable the descent of the balloon to be effected and controlled. Valves 47 are provided on the remaining gas bags. The edge of the fuselage fits within a weatherproof groove on the envelope 6.