NASA Center: |
Dryden Flight Research Center |
Image # : |
EC95-43207-76 |
Date : |
07/27/1995
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Title
Pathfinder Aircraft in Flight
Full Description
The Pathfinder research aircraft's wing structure was clearly defined
as it soared under a clear blue sky during a test flight July 27,
1995, from Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.
The center section and outer wing panels of the aircraft had ribs
constructed of thin plastic foam, while the ribs in the inner wing
panels are fabricated from lightweight composite material. Developed
by AeroVironment, Inc., the Pathfinder was one of several unmanned
aircraft being evaluated under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft
and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program.
Pathfinder was a lightweight, solar-powered, remotely piloted flying
wing aircraft used to demonstrate the use of solar power for long-
duration, high-altitude flight. Its name denotes its mission as the
"Pathfinder" or first in a series of solar-powered aircraft that will
be able to remain airborne for weeks or months on scientific sampling
and imaging missions. Solar arrays covered most of the upper wing
surface of the Pathfinder aircraft. These arrays provided up to 8,000
watts of power at high noon on a clear summer day. That power fed the
aircraft's six electric motors as well as its avionics, communications,
and other electrical systems. Pathfinder also had a backup battery
system that could provide power for two to five hours, allowing for
limited-duration flight after dark.
Pathfinder flew at airspeeds of only 15 to 20 mph. Pitch control was
maintained by using tiny elevators on the trailing edge of the wing
while turns and yaw control were accomplished by slowing down or
speeding up the motors on the outboard sections of the wing. On
September 11, 1995, Pathfinder set a new altitude record for solar-
powered aircraft of 50,567 feet above Edwards Air Force Base,
California, on a 12-hour flight. On July 7, 1997, it set another,
unofficial record of 71,500 feet at the Pacific Missile Range Facility,
Kauai, Hawaii. In 1998, Pathfinder was modified into the longer-winged
Pathfinder Plus configuration.
Keywords
Pathfinder Solar-Powered ERAST Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology Dryden
Subject Category
Unique Aircraft,
Reference Numbers
- Center:
DFRC
- Center Number:
EC95-43207-76
- GRIN DataBase Number:
GPN-2000-000165
Source Information
- Creator/Photographer: NASA
- Original Source: DIGITAL
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Updated October 31, 2002
History Questions: NASA History Office
Responsible NASA Official: Steve Garber
Author: Michael Hahn. Editor: Dwayne A. Day
Curator & Technical Questions: Erin Needham
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