MK2 Basic Design

After Mk1, it became obvious that a much larger aircraft is required to carry the weight necessary for solar cells and a large battery. Mk2 was designed around the 2 solar cell wide wing, with a 96 inch wingspan.

Initial drawings of MK2

 It was designed around a twin boom pusher airframe so the wing did not have to contend with the turbulent air of the prop. Carbon fiber arrow shafts were used as both the tail booms and the wing spar, because of their light weight and stiffness. Care was taken to make sure there was substantial distance between the back of the wing and the prop to mitigate interference. A V tail was used because it is slightly lighter than a T tail, and also so the tail was further from the turbulent air from the prop. The V tail size was determined using an equation I found online, and my calculations are shown. The fuselage was also designed such that it could fit electronics much easier, an annoying problem with MK1. The plane balanced with the CG at 25% chord, and flew well.

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