CPC B64D 31/06 (2013.01) [B64B 1/30 (2013.01); B64D 27/24 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A method of operating a lighter-than-air high altitude platform (HAP) in the stratosphere, the method comprising:
calculating, by one or more processors of the HAP, an offset to achieve a selected lateral propulsion target heading for a lateral propulsion assembly of the HAP;
determining, by the one or more processors, whether to adjust the selected lateral propulsion target heading to an adjusted lateral propulsion target heading based on an accuracy threshold of the offset;
spinning down a propeller of the lateral propulsion assembly when a rotation amount in accordance with the offset exceeds a gyroscopic force threshold of the HAP; and
controlling rotation, by the one or more processors, of a stepper motor of the lateral propulsion assembly according to either the selected lateral propulsion target heading or the adjusted lateral propulsion target heading.
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