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US 2016/0244144 A1Published application
Solar Powered Aircraft with a Variable Geometry Wing and Telecommunications Networks Utilizing Such Aircraft
AssigneeKarem Aircraft, Inc.
InventorsAbe Karem, Benjamin Tigner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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. A telecommunications network incorporating such aircraft is also discussed.
Claims23
A solar powered aircraft comprising:
- a wing comprising a plurality of segments, wherein at least two of the plurality of segments are joined by a hinge and wherein at least one of the at least two segments comprises a photovoltaic cell coupled to at least one of at least two segments and is configured to supply electrical power to the aircraft, wherein the wing has a stiffness that provides a natural frequency that is greater than or equal to 1.3 Hz times (100 ft/wing span, ft)1.5;
- and
- a center of gravity having a positive static margin of at least 3% of mean aerodynamic chord,
- wherein the hinge is configured to reversibly deflect at least one of the at least two segments to a positive or negative dihedral angle while the aircraft is in flight.
1 more element
A wireless communications network comprising:
- a first ground station comprising a first telecommunications transmitter/receiver;
- and
- a first solar powered aircraft flying at an altitude of at least 50,000 feet and comprising:
- a second telecommunications transmitter/receiver and a wing comprising a plurality of segments, wherein at least two of the plurality of segments are joined by a hinge and wherein at least one of the at least two segments comprises a photovoltaic cell coupled to at least one of at least two segments and is configured to supply electrical power to the aircraft, wherein the wing has a stiffness that provides a natural frequency that is greater than or equal to 1.3 Hz times (100 ft/wing span, ft)1.5, and having a center of gravity having a positive static margin of at least 3% of mean aerodynamic chord, wherein the hinge is configured to reversibly deflect at least one of the at least two segments to a positive or negative dihedral angle while the aircraft is in flight,
- wherein the first telecommunications transmitter/receiver and the second telecommunications transmitter/receiver are communicatively coupled, and wherein the second telecommunications transmitter/receiver is communicatively coupled to a third telecommunications transmitter/receiver.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.