Abstract
M.Ing.
Sustained or long endurance solar powered flight is defined as an aircraft capable of main-
taining flight through multiple day-night flight cycles, using only solar power and rechargable
energy stores. The project is focused on developing solar powered flight theory and real-world
unmanned aerial vehicle implementations. The important aspects of system design are es- tablished
and studied at a fundamental theoretical level. A preliminary design is conducted with endurance
optimisation as the main aim. The optimisation process aims to establish a theoretical basis for
sustained solar powered flight.
The project is started with a feasibility and relevance study. A literature study was used to
gather the required theoretical information. A novel theoretical preliminary design basis is
conducted. The study is aimed at answering many questions in the field. The study is the first to
show how previously varied aircraft from 3 m to 80 m are valid solutions to the long endurance
flight requirement. The optimisation results correlates well with the current
state-of-the-art.
The theoretical models were then characterised through the development of two unmanned
aerial vehicles. The development required a multidisciplinary integration of various fields. The
development process was characterised and discussed. Flight automation was successfully integrated
into the system. Multiple test flights were conducted. An interpretation of multi- faceted results
are given.
This project has contributed to international theory regarding solar powered and sustained
endurance aircraft. Many specific contributions were made to the field. The project has
achieved multiple unofficial records from the flight tests in the Southern Hemisphere and
African continent.