Priority to the electric UAV of observation
2004 On substantial technical progress and the conclusions of a positive preliminary expertise decide the contractors Bernard Gosselet and Christian Van Houtte to give the up to date project.
An in-depth study, so much for the air vector than for the electric motorization, is started. The positive results make it possible to consider, with a sufficient safety margin, the construction of an "emission zero" aircraft.
2005 The choice of the priority market is that of the civil UAV. The market of the civil and military UAV is a market of aviation in full growth for the fifteen next years. The applications are varied as well for observation, the environment and safety. The advantages of electric motorization compared to engines run on fossil energy are multiple and promising.
2006 Buckled budgets, it has been decided to develop an UAV (plane without pilot on board) based on the aerodynamic model of the hang-glider "as an arrow" Swift 12m2 and to benefit from the receipt of the long former aerodynamic developments. The Swift wing is currently used as ultralight sailplane of high performance on takeoff by foot (video cf). Its design features correspond perfectly to the necessary specifications: light wing, robust, still making it possible to optimize the weight, wing surfaces sufficient for the integration encapsulated photovoltaic cells, wing profile studied for low and average speeds. The trailing edge of this wing offers a progressive twist. It ensures permanent stability to it and authorizes the absence of a fuselage and plan of depth, vectors of parasitic trail.
Other concepts of construction to the empty weight increasingly heavier do not allow us to consider such a project. A comparative study of various aerodynamic models confirmed this. Finally the concept of hang-glider allows a modularity without comparison thanks to the adaptation of a neutral "POD-fuselage" from an aerodynamic point of view and placed in an ideal way under the centre of gravity of the wing, without disturbing its centering.
The engine is supplied with electricity of mixed origin:
On the one hand a fuel cell to ensure the power necessary to climb altitude and for night flight and in addition to produce solar energy by day with photovoltaic cells, for level flight.
The wing span of 12,5 meters will have a surface of 12 m² to receive solar energy through photovoltaic cells encapsulated in the "skin" of the upper surface. The POD, fuselage in the shape of water drop, will join the centre of gravity under the wing. This last will be pressurized, equipped with all the avionics and the instrumentation dedicated to the communications, controls, instructions, automation of piloting and energy management.
The plane with an endurance of several days will be able to travel a distance of several thousands of kilometers.
2007 Creation of the limited company Sun-H2, Professor polytechnician Patrick Hendrick joint with the board of directors of the company. The manufacture of the prototype Sun-H2-12 UAV is at hand.
