The Boeing Company
Inflatable propeller

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for controlling movement of an aircraft. An aerodynamic function desired for controlling the movement of the aircraft at a particular altitude is identified. The aerodynamic function identified is part of a group of aerodynamic functions used to control the movement of the aircraft at a number of different altitudes. A group of inflatable blades is filled with a fluid to a pressure that corresponds to the aerodynamic function. The group of inflatable blades at the pressure has a shape and a group of dimensions that provide the aerodynamic function.