Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes a solar PV system having at least one solar tracking system and being able to follow the sun position in order to increase sunlight collection and power output; and an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that minimizes parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being at least partially transparent to sunlight, further enclosing the solar PV system, and further being able to change its shape in response to changes in the positions of the solar PV system.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes a solar PV system having at least one solar tracking system and being able to follow the sun position in order to increase sunlight collection and power output; and an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that minimizes parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being at least partially transparent to sunlight, further enclosing the solar PV system, and further being able to change its shape in response to changes in the positions of the solar PV system.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.
Abstract:
An apparatus may comprise an inflatable control surface for an aircraft and an end of the inflatable control surface configured for attachment to a fuselage of the aircraft. The end of the inflatable control surface may be configured to be rotated about an axis to control movement of the aircraft during flight.
Abstract:
A vehicle including at least one bladder for containing a two-phase liquid-gas fuel at a predetermined pressure, with a bladder outlet arranged to releasing vapor fuel from the bladder. The fuel provides energy for propulsion of the vehicle, and the vapor pressure of the fuel provides initial structural integrity of the vehicle, by rigidizing and stiffening the beam assembly to resist inward buckling until the liquid fuel is expended. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is an unmanned aerial vehicle. A combustion chamber and thermoelectric conversion module can generate electricity for a propeller and battery.