Finally, Solar Impulse, the Swiss-made solar powered aircraft crossed its geographical boundaries for the first time as it landed in Brussels after it took off from the Payenne airbase in Switzerland. The pilot expressed extreme satisfaction in the 13-hour long flight as the aircraft flew hassle-free over Belgium. The solar aircraft traversed approximately 480 kilometers or 300 miles as it crossed France and Luxembourg, flying at a height of 3,600 meters or 11,880 feet. The proud pilot was greeted amidst a thunderous applause as he landed successfully in Brussels.
The zero-emission solar-powered airplane, engineered by the Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, has already created a history in 2010 as the first airplane to fly for 26 hours powered solely by solar energy harnessed by on-board solar panels. The recent international flight has added another feather to its crown. It is a great take off in the history of flights producing zero emission. In a bid to provide greener transportation and prevention of wastage of fossil fuels, this novel venture by Piccard is sure to achieve many more milestones in the aviation history. In spite of previous flights of Solar Impulse between Geneva and Zurich, landing at an international airport with high air traffic like Brussels is undoubtedly a praiseworthy achievement.
Solar Impulse HB-SIA, the high-tech solar airplane with a wingspan of a large airliner but of surprisingly light weight runs on 12,000 solar cells. The solar cells are uniquely designed on the 64 meter wing span to absorb sufficient solar energy to charge the aircraft’s half ton batteries to run four 10hp electric motors, ultimately driving four propellers. The large wingspan of Solar Impulse is meant to store enough solar power to run long duration flights even during the night. The airplane can be charged fully with 14 hours of continuous sunlight enabling incessant flight for 26 hours. In a true sense, the solar airplane has covered an incredible distance with the power of a scooter. The speed of the aircraft may be a drawback, but considering its greener aspects and flight performances it will not be a stumbling block in further advancements.
Adventure being in his genes, Piccard is now looking forward in crossing the mighty Atlantic and provide round the world flights within the next couple of years. He may have to extend the wing size for more power absorption capacity. He also has to consider the cost and efficiency of the solar panels including the maintenance before making it commercially viable. Meanwhile, the world is set to cheer for the future achievements of this green aircraft.
Via: Physorg
