Autopilot for aerostat, particularly thermal balloon, has measuring unit, which is configured to collect actual values for one or more driving parameters of actual driving condition of aerostat

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This patent describes an autopilot system specifically designed for aerostats such as thermal balloons. The system includes sensors to monitor flight parameters and uses a multi-stage combustion unit to adjust the heating of the balloon's buoyant gas, enabling automatic regulation of the balloon's altitude and ascent/descent speed.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automatic altitude control in hot air balloons for recreational flights
• Safety system for unmanned aerostats used for surveillance or communication relays
• Enhanced flight control for research balloons in scientific missions
• Tourism or passenger balloon operations with minimized pilot workload
• Improved energy management for long-duration balloon flights

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces the need for continuous manual control by the pilot
• Improves flight safety and stability by automatically adjusting lift
• Allows more precise altitude management for aerostat operations
• Can help save fuel or energy by optimizing heating based on actual conditions
• Enables potential unmanned or remotely operated balloon flights

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The autopilot has a measuring unit (1), which is configured to collect actual values for one or more driving parameters of an actual driving condition of an aerostat. A combustion unit (2) is provided for heating a buoyant gas in a buoyant gas container of the aerostat. A control unit (3,4,5) is coupled and configured at the measuring unit and the combustion unit. The combustion stage of a lower combustion stage is operated with the acceleration of the aerostat and comprises an upper combustion stage, with which another acceleration of the aerostat is operated.