The Solar Powered Plane
First off – yes the plane can fly in cloudy or rainy weather. With solar powered and electric cars becoming a bit more “normal” in today’s market, other solar powered modes of transit are not far off. Case in point – the Solar Impulse.
The 2010 inaugural flight of Solar Impulse proves that this sun-powered airplane can achieve a greater flight time and efficiency then the latest in gas-powered jet engine travel.
The Impulse’s engineers spent seven years developing the craft. Its first flight, which left from Switzerland, traveled at an altitude of 4,000 feet after capturing its energy with 12,000 solar cells. How long does it fly? Solar Impulse is no Spruce Goose – the pilot stayed airborne for 26 straight hours – using only stored energy (that means even after the sun set). Welcome to the future – coach, business, or first class?
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