Methods for providing a durable solar powered aircraft with a variable geometry wing
US10005541B2 · kind B2 · utility
7Cited by
13References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of manufacturing and operating a solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.