Fly-by-night: A First for Solar

Near Zurich, Switzerland, an international team of scientists, engineers and specialists are approaching a significant milestone in one of the most outlandish projects in the history of aviation.

After four years of research, studies, calculations and simulations, the 50-strong team is close to finishing construction on the prototype of an aircraft that could, next year, make a 36-hour flight without burning any fuel. HB-SIA, or "Solar Impulse", is an aircraft with a 61-meter wingspan powered entirely by solar electricity. If this first prototype is successful, subsequent aircraft will fly for five days and nights, leading to a transatlantic flight in 2011 and a round-the-world non-stop flight in 2013.

Although solar-powered models have flown before, "Solar Impulse" will be the first to take off under its own power and, more significantly, the first to remain airborne throughout the night hours. This means that the solar cells that cover its upper surfaces must create enough power not only to drive the aircraft's four engines but also to charge its batteries for a night's worth of flying.

Find out more about sun-powered flight here.
See the flash animation of the round-the-world flight here.
See videos of the project here and here.

From Solar Nation - May 2008 issue of Solar Citizen newsletter