Abstract:
High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) solar powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has the design characteristics of low flying Reynolds number and very flexible wing. The single point design concept is usually introduced to the aerodynamics design of such aircraft. By this design concept, a relatively excellent aerodynamic characteristics can be obtained at the preconcert design state. However, these characteristics are usually weakened significantly if the design point has a slightly departure. First, the developed history and the design characteristics of solar powered UAV are reviewed. Second, we introduce the design challenges of high efficiency low Reynolds Number aerodynamics and the effect of static aeroelastics. Finally, the scaled free flying validation technique is prospected in the application of high efficiency aerodynamics design of HALE solar powered UAV.