Design of a GaAs/Ge solar array for unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are being proposed for many applications including surveillance, mapping and atmospheric studies. These applications require a lightweight, low speed, medium to long duration airplane. Due to the weight, speed, and altitude constraints imposed on such aircraft, solar array generated electric power is a viable alternative to air-breathing engines. Development of such aircraft is being funded under the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) is building a solar electric airplane to demonstrate UAV technology. This aircraft utilizes high efficiency Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) GaAs/Ge space solar calls. The cells have been provided by the Air Force through the ManTech Office. Expected completion of the plane is early 1995, with the airplane undergoing flight testing using battery power.