12 Claims, 16 Drawings Sheets

The present invention is a variable geometry lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft that is adapted to morph its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The basic structure is a semi rigid airship with movable longerons. Movement of the longerons adjusts the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes of the lifting-body. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft to alter the flight characteristics. The transformation may he accomplished while the craft is airborne and does not require any ground support equipment. 

10 Claims, 29 Drawing Sheets

A bag clamp having at least two coaxial retention arms, capable of rotating about a pivoting axis between an open and closed position. The retention arms are connected to a mechanism housing that has an ability to lock and release the retention arms at various degrees of rotation about the pivoting axis. The arms have a shape such that there are only two possible points of contact between the arms to create an open receiving space. The open receiving space allows the bag clamp to receive a rigid structure to clamp onto while also receiving a bag's straps.