PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR A LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLE

摘要

The invention is a propulsion system for a lighter-than-air vehicle (10). In detail the propulsion system includes a pylon (40) having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends (42, 44), the first end (42) of the pylon (40) rotatably mounted to the vehicle (10) and the second end (44) extending outward from the vehicle. The pylon (40) is rotatable about the first end (42) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (12) of the vehicle. A thrust producing assembly (26) is mounted on the second end (44) of the pylon (40) and is rotatable about an axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pylon (40). A powerplant assembly (32A, 32B) is coupled to the thrust producing assemblies (26) to provide power thereto. An actuation system (74) is provided for rotating the assembly (26) about the axis of rotation. A second actuation system (60) is provided for rotating the pylon (40) about the first end (42).