July 11, 2009 at 11:29 Solarimpulse - a record electric airplane for a round-the-world flight
In Switzerland, a prototype of a solar electric airplane for a round-the-world flight was created. The main inspirer of the project - Bertrand Piccard (Bertrand Piccard) is going to set a new world record in 2012, together with him will reach new heights will be co-pilot Andre Borschberg (Andre Borschberg).
The prototype of the aircraft is proudly named Solarimpulse. In the presentation of the project, the partners announced a project budget of 70 million euros and plans for a record flight.
The electric plane has a wingspan like a Boeing 747 and weight like a small car. Cruising flight speed is 70km / h.
The first daytime flights of the prototype will begin this year. In the following, night flights and joint work with a team of meteorologists will be worked out to accurately predict the flight route, as bad weather sharply reduces the chances of a non-stop flight.
It still remains unclear how the flight will be carried out, since restrictions on the size and weight of the aircraft do not allow pilots to carry out flight control for a long time and with relative comfort. Thus, significant difficulties are created for the implementation of a non-stop flight. Perhaps, en route will be carried out landing to change the crew.
The first daytime flights of the prototype will begin this year. In the following, night flights and joint work with a team of meteorologists will be worked out to accurately predict the flight route, as bad weather sharply reduces the chances of a non-stop flight.
It still remains unclear how the flight will be carried out, since restrictions on the size and weight of the aircraft do not allow pilots to carry out flight control for a long time and with relative comfort. Thus, significant difficulties are created for the implementation of a non-stop flight. Perhaps, en route will be carried out landing to change the crew.