Dr Bertrand Piccard was definitely a soaring eagle in his past life. His love for flying around the world has given mankind many inventions that they will treasure for generations to come. Adding another feather to his cap is the solar impulse, the first ever solar-powered airplane that will be a reality by 2011!
A wonder of an airplane that can fly day and night only on solar power without any fuel is not only bedazzling but also practically impossible. Unknown to that word, Dr. Piccard has made it possible and solar impulse should go on its first test flight by 2009. It is only a prototype as of now, but is getting closer to reality with a whopping USD 70 million tag, of which 65 per cent financing has been obtained.
With an aviation industry vision of zero carbons emissions in 50 years, it is believable that we could be travelling on a 300-passenger plane powered solely by clean energy in the future. The energy stored from sun can be used even 16 hours after the sunset and can be repowered once the sun rises. The world is truly becoming a marvel and what’s more? You can travel around this marvel on a source of power that you operate your calculators on!
Via: Channelnewsasia
