Conceptual Design of a Solar HALE UAV

Abstract

The aim of this research work is to realize the concepts of solar High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and design a prototype before  with available technologies in order to take steps to reach eternal flight. The experience gained from former versions, Sun falcon 1 - a monoplane with solar
powered and fuel cell system designed for day flight and Sun falcon 2 -an upgraded model capable of flight during night from energy saved in daytime were used to gain experience to introduce the HALE concept. This work proposes a conceptual design methodology of solar UAV with high operating altitude and long endurance characteristics from the state of art. A model of an UAV is presented which have 150 kg payload mass and a day and night endurance.