Is It Possible to Design a Solar-Powered Helicopter?

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Designing a solar-powered helicopter faces significant challenges due to the high power requirements for lift and flight, which current solar technology cannot meet. The discussion highlights that even if a lightweight structure is achieved, the weight and drag of solar panels would likely prevent successful flight. Suggestions include exploring solar power for auxiliary systems rather than primary propulsion and considering alternative eco-friendly fuels for helicopters. The feasibility of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is acknowledged, but manned helicopters remain impractical with existing technology. Ultimately, the project has shifted focus to investigating eco-friendly helicopter designs that utilize lightweight materials and efficient fuel sources.
  • #31
russ_watters said:
Airplanes have a lot more surface area than helicopters. Apachee, try to think about where you would even put solar panels on a helicopter: by their very nature, they don't have a lot of horizontal surfaces except for the rotor.

If there is still time, you may want to consider looking for a different project.

more about weight than it's about surface area
 
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  • #32
jgeating said:
more about weight than it's about surface area

The more surface area the more room for panels. You can have the lightest aircraft going, but it's the surface area available for panels that matters.
Sum1 said:
Sorry, it can be done and it will (with current panels) - a properly designed one. Just wait and you'll see.

You're joking right?

'Current panels' installed locally provide 2.6kW on a perfect day and take up 8m2 weighing ~500kg.

Good luck getting a helicopter to work with those 'current panels'.

Utilising ground effect can hardly be considered a helicopter.
 

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