Eco Factor: Solar-powered aircraft designed for round-the-world flight.
After six years of designing Solar Impulse aircraft, officially known as HB-SIA, was powered up in Switzerland. The test was performed by test pilot Markus Scherdel who initially ran the motors one at a time and when the individual tests were successful, he was given the go ahead to run all four motors at 400rpm.
Though the pilot kept on the brakes at all times, the performance of the motors was satisfactory and the airplane gave the impression of wanting to get off the ground straightaway. The team has stated that after some more tests that will continue over the next several days, including taxi tests around the airport, the airplane will attempt to cross Switzerland next year and in 2011 it will make some of the first long distance flights.
Via: Wired
