Design and fabrication of a Solar Powered MAV

In recent years, solar powered aircraft have become a popular topic of study. To generate power, a solar powered aircraft uses the solar panels located on its wings to recharge its batteries while in flight. With increased endurance due to the constantly charging battery, solar-powered aircraft are especially relevant in conversations around UAVs. In this paper a 250-gram solar powered UAV is designed and fabricated. The configuration of this aircraft was determined using XFLR while appropriate analysis was performed to ensure its sustained flight. Design decisions were made based on constraints and goals set out at the beginning of the project. The main considerations in the design process were weight, as well as stability. To test the endurance of the aircraft, predictions were made based on power draw and power available estimates. Finally, static flight tests were performed to analyze the aircraft and suggest improvements.