Solar Impulse 2, the solar-powered aircraft, has started it’s around-the-world trek today, flying the first leg from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, Oman. It’s one leg of what will become a five-month journey around the world, and one that will only come close to the Equator once, near Hawai’i. Yes, you read that right, five months to fly around the world in a plane as wide as an Airbus A380 but has a weight more comparable to a heavy-duty truck, and powered only by sunlight. It’s a further test of the concept of solar-powered flight, after sister ship Solar Impulse 1 finished it’s flight program in 2013, and the goal is a circumnavigation of the earth without one single drop of fuel used.
The plane has enough room for one pilot in the unheated and unpressurized cockpit, which isn’t going to be human-friendly at 39,000 feet. An autopilot system is installed in the aircraft for multi-day, transoceanic flights, because at some point in the flight the pilot will have to rest. The electric engines combined make a total of 70 horsepower, and while the aircraft is capable of a top speed (ground speed for you aviation buffs) of 88mph, it’s more than likely going to spend the days cruising at a leisurely 55mph and nights at a very pedestrian 38mph. The stops are more for pilot swaps and visual checks than anything else, which isn’t surprising given the harsh conditions that the pilots will face during the flight.
If you are interested, you can follow the aircraft’s travels HERE.
Photo: Solar Impulse
Nooooo thanks, too slow, too close and I need my bean burritos!
There’s a very fine line between crazy and stupid. I’m not sure which side if the line this is on. But I wish them the best.
I am a diehard internal combustion engine guy, but this is totally amazing! I had no idea that a solar powered plane even existed. Obviously, this concept is in its infancy, thus no pressurized cabin or creature comforts. But where will it lead?
…to extremely long-duration surveillance platforms that will spy on you and
yours and coordinate drone strikes on your unsuspecting little head. And
maybe a recon bird to explore Mars.
http://youtu.be/z1tJMzstL_Q
I wish this wasn’t dumb, but it is, just plain dumb.