Solar Powered Multipurpose Remotely Powered Aircraft

Andreas N. Alexandrou, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
William W. Durgin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
R. F. Cohn, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
D. J. Olinger, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Charlotte K. Cody, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Agnes Chan, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Kwok-Hung Cheung, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Kristin Conley, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Paul M. Crivelli, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Christian T. Javorski, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Nancy P. Torrey, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Michael L. Traver, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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NOTE: At the time of publication, the author William W. Durgin was affiliated with Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Currently, September 2008, he is Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

Abstract

Increase in energy demands coupled with rapid depletion of natural energy resources have deemed solar energy as an attractive alternative source of power. The focus was to design and construct a solar powered, remotely piloted vehicle to demonstrate the feasibility of solar energy as an effective, alternate source of power. The final design included minimizing the power requirements and maximizing the strength-to-weight and lift-to-drag ratios. Given the design constraints, Surya (the code-name given to the aircraft), is a lightweight aircraft primarily built using composite materials and capable of achieving level flight powered entirely by solar energy.