Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt.

2 Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt.

3 Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt., Production & Mechanical Design Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

4 Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt., Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010

Abstract

The growing demand for energy-efficient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has spurred research into alternative power and lift-enhancing mechanisms to improve flight duration and operational efficiency. Solar film technology has been widely explored, offering lightweight energy solutions that significantly extend UAV endurance. However, integrating active hot air lift mechanisms with solar energy systems remains largely unexplored. This research bridges this gap by proposing and analyzing a hybrid UAV system that incorporates solar film technology and onboard hot air lift-enhancing mechanisms. The proposed system aims to optimize energy utilization and increase flight duration by leveraging the complementary properties of solar and thermal technologies. Using a design of experiments (DOE) approach, the optimal configuration was identified as an ogival delta wing shape, S1223 airfoil, and 150°C hot air system. Results showed a 3.86% reduction in apparent weight due to hot air buoyancy, enhancing flight endurance by approximately 4% compared to a solar-only configuration. These findings demonstrate the viability of integrating solar and thermal systems for energy-efficient and sustainable UAV design.

Keywords

International Conference on Aerospace Sciences and Aviation Technology
Volume 21, Issue 21
21st International Conference on Aerospace Sciences & Aviation Technology, ASAT 21, 2025.
September 2025
Pages 1-15

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