A Manned Solar-Powered Aircraft Makes Aviation History
Written by William Hushburn on Friday, July 9th, 2010
A Manned Solar-Powered Aircraft Makes Aviation History-A Swiss solar powered aircraft has landed safely in Switzerland after a 26-hour test flight. The aircraft used efficient solar cells and batteries to stay in the air after the sun rays had faded. The plane has a 61 meter wingspan, and the wings are covered with 12,000 state-of-the-art photovoltaic solar cells that power the plane.
The plane reached a height of 8,700 m (28, 543 ft). Helpers rushed to stabilise the experimental aircraft as it touched down, ensuring that its huge 63m (207ft) wingspan did not scrape the ground and topple the plane.
It is the longest and highest flight recorded by a solar-powered plane. This was proved that the mission was successful.
Previous flights of Solar Impulse have included a brief “flea hop” and a longer airborne test earlier this year. But this week’s attempt was described as a “milestone” by the team.
Mr Piccard an aviator states that it’s the first time ever that a [manned] solar airplane has flown through the night and nothing can prevent them in flying”.
The plane emerged from the darkness of night with three hours power remaining in its batteries, more than had been expected.
The team will now build a new, more advanced, model of the plane. They aim to circumnavigate the globe by 2013 with a scheduled five stops along the way.
But while the team said this proves that emissions-free air travel is possible, it doesn’t see solar technology replacing conventional jet propulsion any time soon. Instead, the project is designed to test and promote new energy efficient technologies which many people had been skeptical about.