Design and Performance Analysis of a Solar-Powered Unmanned Aircraft

As a result of the rise in the need for sustainable aviation, solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for performing enduring missions have been invented. In this project, we discuss the concept, design, and performance analysis of a solar-powered unmanned aircraft by using photovoltaic cells integrated with efficient aerodynamics. The project entails designing the aircraft, selecting an appropriate airfoil, estimating the weights, computing power requirements, and simulating the energy from the sun. In order to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio, as well as the amount of solar energy collected, the aircraft is designed as lightweight with wings having a high aspect ratio. It is concluded that solar-powered UAVs have a potential for long-flight missions without causing adverse environmental impacts, hence making them ideal for use in surveillance, communication, and environmental monitoring missions.