3 ms·
They're only at the beginning of development, and they're starting at a small scale, so it's not clear whether the smaller scale drones can't achieve perpetual
by pohl 8y ago
They're only at the beginning of development, and they're starting at a small scale, so it's not clear whether the smaller scale drones can't achieve perpetual flight or whether that was simply not a necessary goal at this point to monetize the idea and get their business off the ground.
But, assuming that there's some point as you scale down at which perpetual flight becomes impossible, my first guess would be the surface area for solar cells at being a limiting factor.
- jselfridge 8y agoYou're right about the surface area. Altitude is the limiting factor. In the stratosphere, the air is thin enough to warrant large wings, which have lots of area for solar cells. I attempted to design a system for the Air Force at 10-15k feet, but the wings are just to small to collect any meaningful solar energy. That's why we shifted to an internal combustion engine design for that mission. You're also right about monitizing the business. The smallest scale system is a necessary prototyping step towards eternal flight, but it also offers a compelling competitive advantage over conventional fixed-wing drones. VTOL plus 5x the flight endurance?... who wouldn't want that.
- dharma1 8y agoWhat size would the smaller versions competing with current fixed-wing drones be? You should post this to https://www.rcgroups.com/vtols-360/ https://www.rcgroups.com/vtols-360/