Solar-Powered Plane Flies for 26 Hours

08 July, 2010 05:04:00

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Solar Impulse has become the world’s first solar-powered plane to complete the night flight.

The Solar Impulse HB-SIA took off from Payerne Air Base, in Switzerland, Wednesday morning, ascended through the day, flew on solar-cell power through the night and landed back at Payerne Thursday.

Solar Impulse flew 26 hours and 9 minutes, powered only by its 12,000 solar cells absorbing solar energy stored during the day.

"The deal is done, we’ve won, we’ve won! HB-SIA and pilot André Boschberg are back from the night skies," said team member Lucas Chambers.

The organizers said the flight was the longest and highest by a piloted solar-powered craft, reaching an altitude of just over 28,000 feet (8,564 meters) above sea level at an average speed of around 26 miles per hour.

The Solar Impulse HB-SIA has 12,000 solar cells built into its 64.3-meters (193-foot) wings. The solar plane is powered by four electric motors designed to save energy from its solar cells in high-performance batteries.

The achievement - seven years in the making - is only the first step. The next milestone will be crossing the Atlantic using a second prototype which goes into construction soon.

Eventually, the Solar Impulse team hope to make a round the world trip.

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