Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement
Shahin, A., Aboelkasim, E., Awad, A., Sakr, A., Balat, A., Hassanein, M., El-Bahloul, S., Moustafa, W. (2025). Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement. EKB Journal Management System, 21(21), 1-15. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010
Abdelrahman A. Shahin; Ezzeldeen M. Aboelkasim; Abdelrahman E. Awad; Ali A. Sakr; Amr K. Balat; Mahmoud A. Hassanein; Sara A. El-Bahloul; Wael Seddik Moustafa. "Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement". EKB Journal Management System, 21, 21, 2025, 1-15. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010
Shahin, A., Aboelkasim, E., Awad, A., Sakr, A., Balat, A., Hassanein, M., El-Bahloul, S., Moustafa, W. (2025). 'Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement', EKB Journal Management System, 21(21), pp. 1-15. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010
Shahin, A., Aboelkasim, E., Awad, A., Sakr, A., Balat, A., Hassanein, M., El-Bahloul, S., Moustafa, W. Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 21(21): 1-15. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010

Design & Analysis of a Hot Air-Assisted Flying Wing UAV with Solar Energy Systems for Flight Time Enhancement

International Conference on Aerospace Sciences and Aviation Technology
Volume 21, Issue 21, September 2025, Pages 1-15    PDF (1.51 M)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/3070/1/012010
Authors
Abdelrahman A. Shahin1; Ezzeldeen M. Aboelkasim1; Abdelrahman E. Awad1; Ali A. Sakr1; Amr K. Balat1; Mahmoud A. Hassanein2; Sara A. El-Bahloul* 3; Wael Seddik Moustafa4
1Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt.
2Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt.
3Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt., Production & Mechanical Design Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
4Faculty of Engineering, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt., Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Abstract
The growing demand for energy-efficient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has spurred research into alternative power and lift-enhancing mechanisms to improve flight duration and operational efficiency. Solar film technology has been widely explored, offering lightweight energy solutions that significantly extend UAV endurance. However, integrating active hot air lift mechanisms with solar energy systems remains largely unexplored. This research bridges this gap by proposing and analyzing a hybrid UAV system that incorporates solar film technology and onboard hot air lift-enhancing mechanisms. The proposed system aims to optimize energy utilization and increase flight duration by leveraging the complementary properties of solar and thermal technologies. Using a design of experiments (DOE) approach, the optimal configuration was identified as an ogival delta wing shape, S1223 airfoil, and 150°C hot air system. Results showed a 3.86% reduction in apparent weight due to hot air buoyancy, enhancing flight endurance by approximately 4% compared to a solar-only configuration. These findings demonstrate the viability of integrating solar and thermal systems for energy-efficient and sustainable UAV design.
Keywords
Hot Air-Assisted UAV; Flying Wing UAV; Solar Energy Systems; Flight Time Enhancement; Energy Efficiency; Solar-Heated UAV; Sustainable UAV Design
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