Technological development trends in Solar-powered Aircraft Systems

Key issues relating to the past, current and upcoming technologies of solar-powered aircraft are reviewed with the intent to assess the technology trend and offer a prediction for the next decade. The paper looks into the design issues comprising of structures, systems, propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration for solar-powered aircraft. Additionally, the technological status which includes structural materials, photovoltaic systems, battery and power management systems in the case of solar aircraft, would be considered. Finally, technology trend issues would be assessed summarizing into a predictive outlook. The applicable technologies in the design of solar powered aircraft has evolved over the years, hence an overview is presented. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.