Attention is given to the design features and operational capabilities of a class of unmanned flight vehicles possessing multiday mission endurance capabilities, based on the use of a mixed-mode electric power system which incorporates solar cells for diurnal energy production and a nonregenerative H2-O2 fuel cell for nocturnal energy supply. Energy is thereby provided for not only propulsion, but also the operation of the payload and the vehicle's avionics. The excess solar energy available during high insolation portions of the diurnal period may be used for climb/maneuvering or payload-related functions. Empirical structure scaling algorithms are combined with low Reynolds number aerodynamics algorithms to estimate requisite size and geometry for the chosen mission. Wing loadings will be of the order of 0.9-1.3 lb/sq ft.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Design of long-endurance unmanned airplanes incorporating solar and fuel cell propulsion


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1984-06-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Design of Long-Endurance Unmanned Airplanes Incorporating Solar and Fuel Cell Propulsion

    Youngblood, James W. / Talay, Theodore A. / Pegg, Robert J. | NTRS | 1984



    Propulsion System Testing for a Long-Endurance Solar-Powered Unmanned Aircraft

    Dantsker, Or D. / Deters, Robert / Caccamo, Marco | AIAA | 2019