Optimal Speed Scheduling with Arrival Time Constraint for Solar-Augmented Aircraft

What is it about?

Solar powered aircraft flying at low altitudes will have to contend with clouds that disrupt their energy input. We develop a method that allows an aircraft to minimize the impact of solar interruptions while gaining energy from vertical air motion. If the aircraft can use energy from a battery as well, the method can save energy while guiding the aircraft to a specified point at a desired time. The technique has been tested in simulations and onboard a small aircraft.

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