2 June 2014
Solar Impulse 2, the solar aircraft of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, has carried out its first flight, from Payerne aerodrome in Switzerland.
The single-seater aircraft, with which Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are attempting to carry out the first solar-powered flight around the world in 2015, has successfully completed its maiden flight. You can watch a video <a href=’http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpyuORoB8o&list=PL-tY-9eGABwzz5m915CcJF8mOx0aA8FPv&index=2&utm_source=First+flight+press+release&utm_campaign=909715ec32-‘ target=’_blank’>here.</a>
For 2 hours and 17 minutes, professional test pilot Marcus Scherdel tested the aircraft’s performance in the skies. According to the team, the initial results are in line with calculations and simulations. The aircraft’s average ground speed was 30kt and reached an altitude of 5,500ft. There will be several other flights taking place in the coming months in order for this experimental aircraft to attain certification.
“This inaugural flight is an important stage – a step closer towards the round-the-world flight. It is also a huge emotional step for the entire team and all our partners who have worked on the aircraft. Si2 incorporates a vast amount of new technology to render it more efficient, reliable and in particular better adapted to long haul flights. It is the first aircraft which will have almost unlimited endurance,” explained André Borschberg, Solar Impulse Co-founder, CEO and pilot.
<a href=’http://solarimpulse.com’ target=’_blank’>solarimpulse.com</a>
