Recommended Citation
Published in NASA/USRA University Advanced Design Program: Proceedings of the 8th Annual Summer Conference: Washington, D.C., June 15, 1992, pages 477-489.
NOTE: At the time of publication, the author William Durgin was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.
Abstract
Increase in energy demands coupled with rapid depletion of natural energy resources have deemed solar energy as an attractive alternative source of power. The focus was to design and construct a solar powered, remotely piloted vehicle to demonstrate the feasibility of solar energy as an effective, alternate source of power. The final design included minimizing the power requirements and maximizing the strength-to-weight and lift-to-drag ratios. Given the design constraints, Surya (the code-name given to the aircraft), is a lightweight aircraft primarily built using composite materials and capable of achieving level flight powered entirely by solar energy.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/provost_schol/43