LIQUID HYDROGEN STRATOSPHERIC AIRCRAFT

摘要

Disclosed is an aircraft (101), configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft (101) includes an extendable slat (205) at the leading edge of the wing (103), and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing (103) extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing (103) is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft (101) also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell (131). The fuel cell (131) stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell (131). A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The aircraft (101) of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing (103).