Conceptual Design Features of the Sun Falcon 2 a Long Duration UAV

Abstract

This article reports on the study of a small sized UAV Sun Falcon 2, capable of sustained multi-day and night flights powered from rechargeable batteries energized from solar cells installed on the wing surfaces. This project is part of a continuing collaboration between the staff and students of Tokai University of Japan and King Abdul Aziz University which first reported [Aeronautical Journal May 2014] on the successful launch of Sun Falcon 1 capable of long duration day flight. Such vehicles would be extremely useful for continuous surveillance of sensitive areas and other installations of interests to adversary activities. The present UAV was designed using quick response algorithms using relationship which optimize aerodynamic attributes from framework geometry and weight considerations and then balance the power requirements from battery and solar cell attributes in consideration of the prevailing environment. It was learnt that Saudi climate with many hours of daily sunlight throughout the year was particularly suited for sustained flight of such vehicles.