Design space exploration for hybrid solar/soaring aircraft

John J. Bird, Jack W. Langelaan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

While solar power is attractive as an aircraft energy source, its low power density compromises the maximum speed of solar aircraft. When flying within the lower troposphere, convective updrafts can be used to augment solar power. Soaring speed to fly theory is adapted to predict the performance of sailplanes equipped with solar arrays. This is used to determine the sensitivity of hybrid solar/soaring flight to aerodynamic performance, weight, and power use strategy. Solar augmentation offers the potential to substantially enhance sailplane performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2017
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105081
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2017 - Denver, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2017Jun 9 2017

Publication series

Name17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2017

Other

Other17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period6/5/176/9/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Energy(all)

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