Our purpose:
The UCI Solar Airplane Project is dedicated to exploring the potential of solar-powered aviation as a more sustainable alternative to conventional flight while also developing technology that can support humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. As concerns about climate change and reliance on nonrenewable energy continue to grow, our team aims to demonstrate how renewable energy can be integrated into aerospace systems in meaningful and practical ways.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the team focused on designing and building a solar-powered aircraft from scratch. Through research, prototyping, and subsystem development, team members worked to create an aircraft capable of extended flight through the integration of solar energy, lightweight structures, and efficient propulsion systems. This work required close collaboration across aerodynamics, fuselage, propulsion, and operations to move the project from concept toward a fully realized aircraft.
Beyond sustainability, the project is also driven by a humanitarian mission. By developing a solar-powered UAV platform with the potential to carry cameras and other mission-oriented payloads, the team hopes to contribute to future applications in search and rescue, disaster response, and aid delivery in areas where conventional methods may be limited. Through this project, the UCI Solar Airplane team continues to push forward innovative aviation design while promoting clean energy and socially impactful engineering.