The Gannet Solar–VTOL: An Amphibious Migratory UAV for Long–Term Autonomous Missions

Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide a versatile platform well-suited to applications requiring the efficiency of fixed-wing flight with the maneuverability of a multicopter. Prior work has introduced the concept of using solar energy harvesting using photovoltaic cells embedded in the wings of the vehicle to perform self-recharge in the field when landed and at rest. This work demonstrates a further extension of this concept by optimizing the VTOL aircraft for maximum input-to-output power ratio, such that continuous flight is possible for the majority of a typical day with good sunlight. By also adding amphibious design elements, a transoceanic flight cycle is proposed. The candidate aircraft design is shown with estimated and actual behavioral and performance data for hovering and forward flight. Artwork for design elements such as the tiltrotor nacelle design and interchangeable avionics pod are shown.