The Cyclocraft and its applications

The paper addresses Cyclocraft, a unique aircraft concept, being developed under the sponsorship of USAF, WPAFB, ASC/XR, and Department of Energy. The Cyclocraft utilizes both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift. It has exceptional operational flexibility and economy, and can be designed for any payload size, e.g. up to 100 tons. Functions of the Cyclocraft´s components are described and results of developmental work, including night tests, are presented. The work for the USAF focused on unmanned missions of long endurance, e.g. 24 to 120 hours without refueling, and with nominal payloads, e.g. 400 to 2000 lb. The design of the unmanned Cyclocraft, its performance and operational economics are addressed. Potential missions for Cyclocraft, its mission cost effectiveness and platform/electronic systems interface are discussed. UAV Cyclocraft missions include Theater Missile Defense (TMD), Wide Area Intrusion Detection Surveillance (WAIDS), Special Operations Delivery and Recovery and Communications Relay. Results of the DOE program, which addressed low altitude transport of heavy cargoes, e.g. 45 tons, in areas where heavy surface transport is prohibitive, e.g. Louisiana wetlands, are also discussed. Potential applications for manned heavy-lift Cyclocraft, for both government and commerce, and its cost effectiveness are explored