In recognition that a solar powered plane that flies at a high altitude has challenges keeping low-angle sunlight hitting the solar panels, Boeing invented their "flying wing" concept plane. The Boeing patent application discloses "a solar powered aircraft including a modular main wing and a pair of relatively large modular winglets attached to the transverse end portions of the main wing. To collect solar radiation, including relatively low-angle radiation, solar panels are mounted to both the main wing and the winglets."
The application also lists potential uses for a solar-powered plane that could stay in a fixed position over a city, for example:
- imaging systems such as a camera or radar;
- communication systems for use with radio signals, cell phone signals, microwave transmissions, earth-to-satellite links, television broadcasts, internet connections, payload-to-payload linkages, and the like;
- atmospheric sensing systems for measuring wind, temperature, humidity, gases present, sunlight, and other purposes.
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Boeing patents first solar powered plane that can fly forever..