The test wing has a span of 22ft and a chord of 15ft. It is built of composite materials and lightweight plastics.
John Langford, CEO of Aurora, said: “Aurora’s interest in solar-powered aircraft dates from the earliest days of the company. The idea of this test panel was to develop and validate designs and manufacturing techniques. Doing this is essential for the accurate planning of any future solar aircraft development program.”
In 2008, Aurora was selected as a contractor by Dapra for phase 1 of the ‘Vulture’ ultra-long endurance aircraft program. Aurora’s design, called Odysseus uses a variable geometry design known as the Z-wing.
The large solar test panel was privately funded by Aurora as an adjunct to Vulture. In addition to the test panel, Aurora has funded the development and flight test of the SunLight Eagle, a 114ft wingspan solar UAV, which made its first flights in the spring of 2009.
Headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, Aurora designs and builds robotic aircraft and other aerospace vehicles for scientific and military applications.
