Daytime Flight Strategies for the CREATeV Solar-powered Aircraft

<p dir="ltr">A loiter analysis method that predicts the charge rate of a solar-powered aircraft during loitering flight in varying solar and wind conditions was developed. The charge rate is the average net energy rate from solar-power input and power required for flying a loiter. An analysis of the charge rate was performed to improve the flight endurance of a solar-powered aircraft by flying loiters that maximize the charge rate. A comparison of the method to flight-test measurements shows good agreement. Several parametric studies were performed using the analysis method, giving insight into the flight path that produces the highest charge rate based on the wind and the solar conditions. The studies show that in the most favourable conditions, flying the correct flight path can increase the charge rate by up to 35%. The results of the parametric studies were used to develop f light-path strategies for the CREATeV solar-powered aircraft.</p>