The NASA Pathfinder is a solar-powered aircraft “that could stay aloft all day, powered only by sunlight.” It features a “backup battery system that can provide power for between two and five hours to allow limited-duration flight after dark.” Video after the jump.
Pathfinder flies at an airspeed of only 15 to 25 mph. Although pitch control is maintained by the use of tiny elevons on the trailing edge of the wing, turns and yaw control are accomplished by slowing down or speeding up the motors on the outboard sections of the wing.
The NASA Pathfinder is a solar-powered aircraft “that could stay aloft all day, powered only by sunlight.” It features a “backup battery system that can provide power for between two and five hours to allow limited-duration flight after dark.” Video after the jump.
Pathfinder flies at an airspeed of only 15 to 25 mph. Although pitch control is maintained by the use of tiny elevons on the trailing edge of the wing, turns and yaw control are accomplished by slowing down or speeding up the motors on the outboard sections of the wing.
