HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) UAVs and HAPS (High Altitude
Pseudo-Satellites) are massive aircraft, often with wingspans as
large as a Boeing 747, that rely on solar power to remain aloft
for multiple weeks, or even months, at a time. The stratosphere,
at an altitude of 20 kilometers (60,000 feet), poses unique
engineering challenges to aircraft due to its harsh conditions.
For these innovative aircraft to fly successfully, they require
disruptive technologies such as new types of sensors, batteries,
materials, software, and wing designs. Until now, solar technology
designed specifically to meet the unique needs of these aircraft
did not exist. Recently, however, Alta
Devices announced its new solar product, Alta
Devices Anylight Solar for HALE UAVs.

Alta Devices has a history of world-class innovation with its
world record-breaking solar technology, designed to power
autonomous systems. Its Anylight Solar for HALE UAVs technology
is high efficiency, lightweight, and flexible. It extends
endurance and range by providing more power to batteries, and can
also power additional payload. This solar technology can be simply
applied to aircraft surfaces. Alta Devices Anylight Solar for
HALE UAVs is designed specifically to power stratospheric flight.

HALE UAVs and HAPS are an important new aircraft category and can
include airplanes, airships, and/or balloons that are designed to
fly at altitudes of 20 kilometers (60,000 feet) for extended
periods of time. In addition to being used for a variety of
communications (such as cell phone connectivity and others), these
aircraft can be used for intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, border patrol, mapping,
and many other applications. Solar power is critical for these
aircraft, particularly because the objective is to fly for years
without refueling.

Flight at this altitude demands solar technology that is different
from the type used in terrestrial installations or space. For
example, at 60,000 feet, ultraviolet radiation from the sun is
more intense than on the earth’s surface. Unlike in space with
zero gravity, the generation of lift is important for
stratospheric vehicles. In order to allow the aircraft to carry a
useful payload and enough batteries for night flight, the solar
technology used must be extremely light-weight. In contrast to
both terrestrial and space applications, at 60,000 feet,
mechanical stresses during flight can be very tough on the
aircraft surface and solar panels, so the solar material must be
flexible and durable.

XPONENTIAL
2019
April 30 – May 2, 2019 | McCormick Place |
Chicago, IL
Alta Devices Booth: #431

Exhibition and discussion of solar technology for unmanned
systems. Alta Devices will discuss why breakthrough solar
solutions for stratospheric UAVs are not the same as terrestrial
or space solar. This will include details about its latest
product, Alta Devices Anylight Solar for HALE UAVs, the first
solar technology designed for stratospheric flight. Also on
display, will be UAV solar wing segments, solar modules, and
information on Alta Devices technology.

Case
Study: How the NRL Flew the Hybrid Tiger Using Alta’s Solar Power

The main limitation currently facing the UAV market is the short
flight time of these aircraft. Alta solar cells offer a way to
capture energy while flying without compromising the weight, size,
or maneuverability of an aircraft. Researchers at the U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory (NRL) chose Alta Devices thin, flexible, GaAs
technology to integrate into the surface of a UAV wing to achieve
extended flight time. This discussion will cover the integration
process and the test flight results.

Panel
Discussion: Flying High: The Latest Developments in High Altitude
UAS

Significant developments are being made in the HALE UAV and HAPS
field as these systems prove their worth delivering persistent
coverage for telecommunications, public safety missions, and
internet connectivity. Hear from companies leading in the
development of these platforms and the enabling technologies that
support them.

Panelists include: Rich Kapusta – Alta Devices (Moderator), Nigel
Chandler – AIRBUS Defence and Space, Martin Topping – BAE Systems,
Matt Ciuca – Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation.