DESIGN & FABRICATION OF RC FLYING CAR BY USE OF SOLAR POWER

Authors:

Vaishnavi Chavan1, Anup Nimbalkar2, Nikhil Nalawade3, Yash Shinde4, Akshay Solunke5, Sanskruti Pawar6, Sapana Desai7, Ajit Dhanawade8

12345678Pune Institute of Aviation Technology Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, INDIA

1E-mail: vaishnavichavan.puneiat@gmail.com 2E-mail: anupnimbalkar.puneiat@gmail.com

3E-mail: nikhilnalawade.puneiat@gmail.com 4E-mail: yashshinde.puneiat@gmail.com

5E-mail: akshaysolunke.puneiat@gmail.com 6E-mail: sanskrutipawar.puneiat@gmail.com

7E-mail: desaisapana7@gmail.com

8E-mail: ajitdhanwade@puneiat.edu.in

Abstract:

The rapid advancement of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles has spurred interest in hybrid transportation systems that combine the maneuverability of rotary wing aircraft with the road-driving capability of automobiles. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a radio-controlled (RC) flying car powered exclusively by solar energy. The vehicle integrates a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, a tandem- rotor propulsion system, and a modular solar panel array mounted on the wing surfaces to supply electric power to brushless motors. A hybrid control architecture merges autonomous flight stabilization with ground-drive steering, enabling a seamless transition between aerial and terrestrial modes. Finite element analysis was employed to optimize structural integrity while minimizing weight, and a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system was implemented to maximize solar energy harvest under varying irradiance. The results validate the feasibility of solar-powered RC flying cars and provide a scalable platform for future research in sustainable, multi-modal transportation systems.

Key Words: RC Flying Car, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Solar Power, MPPT Charge Controller, Hybrid Transportation, Tandem-Rotor Propulsion, Sustainable Aviation.