RA
The RA (Record Aircraft) project aims to develop a fully electric, solar-powered aircraft with extended autonomy. Conceived as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), RA is designed to operate continuously with zero carbon emissions, powered exclusively by solar energy.
RECORD AIRCRAFT
Its high-aspect-ratio wings, equipped with high-efficiency solar cells, recharge onboard batteries to enable reliable night-time operations. The lightweight carbon-fiber composite structure ensures strength and durability, while the propulsion system is optimized for low-speed, energy-efficient cruising. An advanced autopilot enables autonomous, long-endurance missions, supporting applications such as environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations (SAR). We have already presented, and will continue to present, scientific papers related to this UAV at national and international conferences, actively contributing to the academic and technological community in the field of sustainable aviation.
EILEEN
Eileen is a fully autonomous UAV designed for long-endurance missions. Its extended flight time—over 10 hours without refueling—is made possible by new-generation solar panels integrated into the wings and horizontal stabilizer. This advanced energy system, combined with a smart autopilot, allows Eileen to operate reliably in remote or demanding environments with minimal human intervention.
Estimated maiden flight date: Summer of 2026
Technical Specifications
Type: non conventional fixed wing UAS
Efficiency: ~18
Weight: 25 Kg
Wingspan: 7.34 meters
Solar Array: 210 high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells integrated on wings and horizontal stabilizer.
Communication: Dual radio modules and redundant telemetry system for robust signal transmission and continuous data flow
Navigation: Advanced Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning system enabling centimeter-level accuracy in real time
Airframe: Lightweight carbon fiber structure for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
Propulsion: Dual high-efficiency brushless motors for reliable operation
Energy Management: Custom-designed MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) system for extended endurance and optimized performance
Payload Capacity: Up to 2 kg of modular payloads for diverse mission profiles
Situational Awareness: Traffic awareness and collision avoidance technology (FLARM)
Safety System: Integrated parachute serving as Flight Termination System (FTS) for controlled emergency descent
KOKO
Throughout the 2024/2025 academic year, a 1:2 scale prototype of EILEEN was constructed to experimentally validate structural solutions and analyze aerodynamic performance. Solar cells were not integrated into this prototype, since the focus was solely on validating structural integrity and flight mechanics. Its maiden flight took place on July 25th and was successfully completed, including several minutes in fully autonomous mode.
Technical Specifications
Wingspan: 3,67 meters
Weight: 9,5 Kg
Airframe: Carbon fiber and wood
AMELIA
Amelia is the first prototype of the RA project, developed in 2021 with the goal of exploring the feasibility of a solar-powered UAV and testing our team’s design and production capabilities. After its maiden flight in the fall of 2022, Amelia continued to fly regularly, accumulating numerous hours of operation. These missions enabled the collection of valuable data, essential for the evolution and refinement of subsequent prototypes. Even today, Amelia remains an active experimental platform, used to validate new onboard system configurations and to test innovative technical solutions for future developments of the project.
Technical Specifications
Wingspan: 5 meters
Weight: 15 kgs
Airframe: Carbon fiber and foam