Solar-powered aircraft

A solar-powered aircraft comprising:

• a fixed wing panel;
• a motor-driven propeller;
• a plurality of secondary wing panels, each of the plurality of secondary wing panels configured to rotate about a longitudinal pivot axis extending from the fixed wing panel through a central transverse portion of said secondary wing panel,
• wherein each of the plurality of secondary wing panels comprises one or more moveable control surfaces to alter or maintain flight characteristics of the solar-powered aircraft, and
• wherein each of the plurality of secondary wing panels comprises an array of solar panels on its surface;
• and
• a tail assembly having a first tail panel,
• wherein the first tail panel comprises a second array of solar panels located on a surface of the first tail panel, the first tail panel being configured to rotate about a second longitudinal pivot axis through a central transverse portion of said first tail panel.

A method of continuously operating a solar-powered aircraft having a fixed wing panel, a motor-driven propeller, a secondary wing panel, and a tail panel, the method comprising:

• (i) collecting and storing solar energy via an array of solar panels positioned on the secondary wing panel, wherein the secondary wing panel is positioned in a first position;
• (ii) rotating the secondary wing panel from the first position to a second position about a first longitudinal pivot axis extending from the fixed wing panel through a central transverse portion of said secondary wing panel;
• (iii) altering a flight characteristic of the solar-powered aircraft via one or more movable control surfaces positioned on the secondary wing panel;
• (iv) rotating the tail panel about a second longitudinal pivot axis through a central transverse portion of said tail panel, wherein the tail panel comprises a second array of solar panels located on a surface of the tail panel;
• and
• (v) using the solar energy to operate the solar-powered aircraft.