Ren,
thanks very much for chasing the "rabbit down the whole". The thesis work on hybrid propulsion systems for UAVs was prepared in 2010, somehow I hope we have moved on during the last three years especially when it comes to miniaturization, one of Indy's stated main comparative advantages for LTAs when weight concerns are out of the way.
Where we are with solar technology today is best exemplified by Google acquisition of Titan.
What does that mean? This is from the WSJ article of 16 April, 2014
"This person said Facebook’s acquisition talks with Titan lasted weeks. After the talks were disclosed, Titan was approached by Google, which said it could beat whatever price Facebook was offering. The talks broke down and Facebook set its sights on other companies, the person added."
