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High altitude reconnaissance platform

  • US 4,697,761 A
  • Filed: 09/16/1985
  • Issued: 10/06/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/16/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A high altitude, ultralight aircraft requiring no fuel comprising:

  • an aircraft having wings with broad area upper and lower wing surfaces,a low speed propellor mounted on said aircraft;

    electric motor means mounted on said aircraft and coupled to drive said propellor;

    solar cell means for receiving solar energy and supplying electricity to power said motor means, said solar cell means being mounted on the upper surfaces of said wings;

    long wavelength infrared (LWIR) responsive cell means for receiving albedo infrared energy from the earth and for supplying electricity to power said motor means, said LWIR cell means being mounted on the lower surfaces of said wings; and

    means for storing excess electrical energy supplied by said solar and LWIR cell means beyond that needed for powering said motor means, and for supplying supplemental electrical power to said motor means when the power supplied from said cell means is inadequate;

    whereby the aircraft may have a life at elevated altitudes of several years.

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