Let's see:
1. Compressed air exists in the plane before it takes off the first time.
2. Helium (which was produced somehow) exists in the a/c before liftoff.
3. The a/c rises on the buoyancy of helium, and compressed air is used to power thrust turbines.
4. When max buoyancy altitude is reached, compressed air is let into the gas bag area to contract the gas bags.
5. Wings (which i guess have yet to be used) are swept back and the a/c glides.
6. During the gliding phase, fans on the outside power air compressors to recharge the compressed air.
7. Once the minimum altitude is reached, the cycle begins anew.
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A few questions:
A. In order for me to get from a to b, I must use energy, and for this a/c to get from a to b it must use energy. Yet they say the a/c uses no fuel. Are they saying the production of helium and the production of compressed air are somehow outside their energy balance?
B. why are the wings variable sweep if they are not used except for one flight regimen?
C. In the old dirigible days, ground handling, especially putting the airships in the hanger was extremely difficult. How are you s’posed to handle a hybrid dirigible in the wind?
I am a big fan of dirigibles, and would like to see a helium Hindenburg cruise line. You could see the wildebeest drive across the Serengeti or watch the Porcupine herd travel across the arctic plain while seated in the observation deck.
But I think this machine as explained is a pipe dream which violates the second law. There is always a fuel cost unless you are just blowing in the wind, and even then you must pay for the helium.
