SunLight Eagle

The SunLight Eagle Program (SLE) serves as a high-altitude test platform for sub-systems and small payloads designed for long-duration missions. Just as electric vehicle concepts have shown promise in the automotive industry, many people believe that low emissions (or zero emissions) aircraft will play an increasingly important role in the aerospace industry. With possible applications ranging from communications to surveillance to low-cost satellite replacements, solar-electric airplanes show great promise for the future. Aurora is now at work on the design of a second-generation SLE aircraft optimized for flights at altitudes above 25,000 feet.

The program began in 2008 when Aurora engineers converted a world record-holding human-powered aircraft into an electrically-driven solar-powered aircraft. Thin solar cells were installed on the upper wing surface along with a lithium-ion battery pack. A new drive system replaced the human-powered drive train. The airframe itself was not changed from its original configuration, retaining its 114 foot wingspan and extraordinarily low weight (175 lb. GTOW, including payload). After undergoing structural validation tests and drive train modifications, the aircraft received FAA airworthiness certification.

This first prototype in the SLE initiative completed two flight tests in the May 2009 in New Mexico which will aid in the design of follow-on prototypes. The flights took place in the National Airspace System under the auspices of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Test Center at New Mexico State University. Aurora invites interested parties to collaborate on the SLE payload missions.