Eric Scott Raymond
Solar Flight Sunseeker II
Solar Flight Sunseeker II is an experimental solar‑powered aircraft created by American inventor and aerospace engineer Eric Scott Raymond in the early 2000s. Building on the lessons learned from his earlier Sunseeker I prototype, Raymond completed the Sunseeker II in 2003 as a single‑seat, high‑aspect‑ratio glider equipped with a lightweight composite airframe and an array of high‑efficiency photovoltaic cells mounted on the wing’s upper surface. The cells feed a brushless electric motor that drives a two‑blade propeller, allowing the aircraft to achieve sustained flight using only sunlight or stored battery energy for take‑off and climb. Key features include a 30‑meter wingspan, carbon‑fiber spars, a maximum endurance of over ten hours in clear sky conditions, and a fully digital flight‑control system that optimises power usage. The Sunseeker II’s successful flights demonstrated the practicality of solar energy for manned aviation, influencing later projects such as the Solar Impulse series and inspiring research into ultra‑efficient airframes and renewable‑energy propulsion. Raymond’s work highlighted the potential for low‑emission, long‑duration flight, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of environmentally friendly aviation. Today the Sunseeker II remains a reference point for designers seeking sustainable flight solutions.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Eric Scott Raymond
- Developer
- Eric Scott Raymond
- Wikidata ID
- Q18415375