University of Maryland Solar Gamera

The University of Maryland Solar Gamera is a solar-powered helicopter. In August 2016, it made the first solar-powered helicopter flight.

Development
The Solar Gamera, also known as the Gamera-S and the GameraS, used the structure and rotors of its predecessor, the Gamera II. Components of the power train for that human-powered helicopter (pedals, cranks, pulleys, etc.) were removed, and replaced with four electric motors, each connected via gearing to one of the craft's four rotors. Four panels, each containing 40 monocrystalline silicon solar cells, were located at outboard end of the frames leading to the rotors. Electronic controls, which incorporated an stability augmentation system, helped to ensure stable hover.

Operational history
Testing commenced at College Park, Maryland in April 2015, but with no pilot aboard. Further tests were made later that year and in the Spring of 2016.

On August 26, 2016, with pilot Michelle Mahon at the controls, the Solar Gamera made two flights, these being the first ever made by a piloted solar-powered helicopter. During the first flight, the helicopter hovered for 9 seconds, and attained a height of 1 ft (0.3 m).