The first solar-powered plane took off
It is a relief for the 70 people who spent 7 years of their life to the project. The Solar Impulse, the first aircraft powered entirely by solar energy, took off this Wednesday at about 10:28 (8:28 GMT) from the military base of Payerne, in western Switzerland. After about a hundred meters, the plane took off and landed without difficulty as easily, after half past one flight.
The plane, still in prototype stage, used the 12,000 photovoltaic cells covering its wings only source of energy. As expected, the four solar-powered electric motors of an output of 10 hp each. The panels can charge the lithium-polymer that is 400 kg device. The aircraft, which looks identical to a dragonfly, has surprised observers by its silence.
Liftoff …
… And landing
After the jump, the flight
The first flight was operated by the German rider Markus Scherdel. Long delayed by adverse weather conditions, it occurs after an initial "jump" of a few meters in December 2009. "Not one aircraft of this type has flown in the past, welcomed the Swiss explorer and creator of the prototype, Bertrand Piccard. The take off was "a huge question mark," he recalled. Andre Borschberg, co-founder of the project, added that "the first question was whether we had enough power to lift off and then if we could land this plane" online payday advance. According to Bertrand Piccard, the first success "gave us the confidence needed for the next flight and the next missions.
The Solar Impulse will come into effect as of the first successful step in a long series of tests. The team plans further tests to calibrate the machine and then build a second copy. "We will continue the test flights for improving the design of the second aircraft," said Andre Borschberg. The construction of the second unit to start next year.
Soon round the world
The designers of the Solar Impusle are aiming to launch their second aircraft in the adventure of the world tour. The journey will be in five phases by 2013, rather than 2012 as previously announced.
The ecological objective remains unchanged: "This project primarily to show what we can do in renewable energy," he assured Bertrand Piccard, who asserts that "our future depends on our ability to adapt quickly to these renewables.Solar Impulse is to demonstrate what we already can do today to use these energies.
Next step in the schedule of organizers: a journey of 36 hours non-stop before the summer from Payerne to test the device's ability to operate day and night.
ALSO READ:
"Solar Impulse few dates
"Solar Impulse: giant solar fly by night
"Around the world in a solar aircraft