Patent ID: 9604715
Date: 2017-03-28
CPC Classifications: B64C,B64D,H02S,H04B,Y02E,Y02T

Claim:
1. A solar powered aircraft that communicates with a ground station comprising, a first telecommunications transmitter/receiver that communicates with the ground station; a wing comprising a plurality of segments, wherein at least two of the plurality of segments are joined by a hinge and wherein at least one of the at least two segments comprises a photovoltaic cell coupled to at least one of at least two segments and is configured to supply electrical power to the aircraft, wherein the wing has a stiffness that provides a natural frequency that is greater than or equal to 1.3 Hz times (100 ft/x) a center of gravity having a positive static margin of at least 3% of mean aerodynamic chord, a plurality of motor-propeller assemblies, wherein greater than 50% of the motor-propeller assemblies are coupled to a central segment of the aircraft; an active control surface that is coupled with an actuator; and a controller that is communicatively coupled with the actuator and at least one of the plurality of motor-propeller assemblies, wherein the controller is configured to optimize flight endurance of the aircraft through provision of a first command to the at least one of the plurality of motor-propeller assemblies in slow response conditions and wherein the controller is further configured to optimize flight endurance of the aircraft through provision of a second command to the actuator in rapid response conditions, wherein the controller is configured to maintain flight endurance of the aircraft at an altitude of at least 50,000 feet for at least 2 winter months at from 40° N latitude to 40° S latitude.