Solar-energy powered airship has transparent envelope filled with hot air and parabolic mirror is installed inside envelope to focus light on small sphere acting as energy absorber

摘要

The airship has a transparent envelope (1) shaped as a prolate spheroid and fitted with fins and rudders (4) and elevators at the tail end. There is a gondola (5) and electrically-driven propellers (6) underneath. The envelope is reinforced with longitudinal (2) and transverse (3) frame members. A large concave mirror (7) is accommodated inside the envelope collects solar energy and focuses it on a small absorbent sphere (12) supported on struts (11). The mirror is supported on a sliding carriage (9) connected to struts (8) holding the mirror. The carriage runs on a one quarter-circle rail (10) mounted on an azimuth swiveling mount (13).