UCI Solar Airplane

Summary

Who Are We:

The UCI Solar Airplane Team is a multidisciplinary group of approximately 25 undergraduate students dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation through innovation, research, and hands-on engineering. Our members come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the arts. Each year, our team designs, analyzes, manufactures, and tests a new solar-powered aircraft, building upon the knowledge and achievements of previous generations. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, we strive to maximize flight endurance and efficiency by integrating solar energy with advanced battery systems.

Our Purpose:

The UCI Solar Airplane Project aims to demonstrate the potential of solar energy as a practical and sustainable power source for aviation while inspiring broader adoption of renewable energy technologies. As the world continues to confront the challenges of climate change and increasing energy demands, innovative clean-energy solutions are more important than ever.

Our project explores how solar-powered flight can reduce dependence on traditional fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future. By combining aerospace engineering, renewable energy systems, and cutting-edge design practices, our team develops aircraft capable of extending flight duration through the use of onboard solar panels that continuously supplement battery power.

Through research, simulation, testing, and iterative design, we seek to push the boundaries of solar-assisted flight while providing students with valuable real-world engineering experience. Beyond sustainability, the technologies developed through this project have the potential to support humanitarian and environmental applications. Long-endurance solar-powered aircraft could be utilized for tasks such as environmental monitoring, remote data collection, and aerial support during disaster response operations where extended flight times are critical.

Each year, the team refines and improves upon previous aircraft designs using accessible materials, commercially available solar technologies, and innovative engineering solutions. Looking ahead, we will continue exploring advancements in lightweight structures, solar energy systems, autonomous flight capabilities, and onboard sensing technologies. Our long-term vision is to contribute to the future of sustainable aviation and inspire a new generation of engineers to develop technologies that benefit both people and the planet.

Current Work / Recent Updates

Spring 2026

By the end of spring quarter, 2026, we met multiple manufacturing milestones for our newest aircraft, including most of the wood structure and skin. Electronics still need to be installed, and some of the structure needs to be finished.

Next Steps (Fall 2026)

This fall, we will finish manufacturing the aircraft from last year. Once construction is concluded, we will fly the aircraft at the Orange County Modelers Association (OCMA) strip. This quarter, we will also be developing the next generation aircraft, building upon research from previous years to make an even more effective aircraft.

Team Structure

Aerodynamics Sub-team

The aerodynamics sub-team’s primary responsibility is to research, design, and fabricate the wings, tail, and control surfaces of the plane. The aerodynamics sub-team will be split into two groups that work closely together: the wing team and the tail team. To optimize the performance of the plane, the aerodynamic sub-team will take into account the wing and tail shape, size, placement, material, and their effect on the overall plane’s center of gravity. In addition, the sub-team will determine the placement and design of the control surfaces on the wings and tail, which will determine the plane’s trajectory.

Fuselage Sub-team

The fuselage sub-team’s primary responsibility is to research, design, and fabricate the main body of the aircraft. This is composed of the frame and internal loading structures, skin of the plane, wingbox, tail connection, and the landing gear. In order to contribute to the plane’s overall success, the sub-team will take into account factors such as weight, center of gravity, structural integrity, and aerodynamic performance. Construction of the main body will be completed in collaboration with the aerodynamics team in order to incorporate the wings and tail. Additionally, the fuselage sub-team will cooperate with the propulsion team to integrate electrical components, which will be housed in the fuselage.

Propulsion Sub-team

The propulsion sub-team is responsible for researching, designing, and fabricating the control system of the aircraft, as well as effectively powering the plane. The propulsion sub-team is split into two groups: energy and avionics.

The energy team researches and implements the solar panels to efficiently deliver power to the airplane. Additionally, this team is responsible for selecting a motor, propeller, and battery that can provide enough thrust to propel the plane forward.

The avionics team is responsible for implementing the electronic system used for flight control, navigation, and camera integration. The sub-team will use the Pixhawk flight control system and its online program, Ardupilot, to access live GPS tracking, first person viewing (FPV), and flight telemetry data.