Electric hybrid airship with unlimited flight time

Abstract

This paper examines the possibility of using photoelectric energy conversion during creation of electric unmanned aerial vehicles of a hybrid type. These vehicles should operate at altitudes up to 22,000 m and have an unregulated flight time. The problems arising during creation of such devices are their instability and poor controllability. Also they possess a number of disadvantages typical for airships: large size and, as a consequence, high windage and dependence on weather conditions; low maneuverability and, as a consequence, the difficulty of landing. These negative aspects of all circular wings resulted in complete rejection of their development. However, the considered disadvantages show the feasibility of creating hybrid aircraft. Particular attention in this paper is given to disk-shaped vehicles. They have less windage, do not need to turn around when changing the direction of flight. The presence of solar panels in combination with modern control and navigation systems make it possible to create new unmanned aerial vehicles with unlimited flight time. The aircraft dimensions are calculated as a function of the lifted mass and other parameters. Recommendations on possible operation parameters of hybrid airship are given.