topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2270.63 -0.42
DAX 6788.8 0.59
IBEX 30 8902.1 0.60
CAC 40 3424.71 0.43
FTSE 100 5895.47 0.33
AEX 325.12 -0.06
DJIA 12890.46 0.05
Nasdaq 2927.23 0.39
FTSE MIB 16653.83 -0.09
TSX Composite 12497.94 -0.18
ASX 4330.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20888.68 -0.58
Straits Times 2972.47 -0.29
ISEQ 20 503.71 0.33
You are here: Home News Swiss News Swiss introduce solar-powered plane

Swiss News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


09/11/2009Swiss introduce solar-powered plane

Solar Impulse introduced its prototype and started the engines on Friday at an airbase near Zurich.

Geneva -- Solar Impulse, the first company to attempt a solar-powered flight around the world, introduced its prototype on Friday and started the engines at an airbase near Zurich.

All four sun-fuelled electric motors were switched on for the first time outside after the completed plane was pushed out of the hangar.

"With its engines running at full power, it gave the impression of wanting to get off the ground straightaway... but it won’t be long now before we release the brakes and let it roll its first few metres," said Andre Borschberg, co-founder and chief executive of Solar Impulse.

The ultralight single seater with the wingspan of an Airbus A380 airliner is being prepared for its first flight over the coming weeks when weather conditions allow.

Solar Impulse staff said the aircraft, which weighs as much as a medium-sized car (1,600 kilogrammes, 3,527 pounds), needs clear conditions and less than a light breeze (three knots) for its first flight.

It is due to make a few airborne trips down the runway at the Dubendorf airbase before 20 December.

"Compared to its weight and size, it is lighter than the best performing gliders," Borschberg said.

The prototype, which is slightly smaller than the craft expected to fly around the world, was first revealed while being built in its hangar in June.

It is primarily aimed at testing the cutting-edge technology used to build and control the aircraft, and to fly through the night.

A first nonstop 36-hour flight through darkness is planned in Switzerland from spring 2010, with the prospect of a five-stage flight around the world in 2012.

AFP / Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

IFAs / FSIs / Country Managers / Confidential Introducers

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Republicans Abroad Europe

Discuss Swiss Culture

Win prizes by filling out Expatica Survey 2011!

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Win prizes by filling out Expatica Survey 2011!

Finding your way in Switzerland

great bouvier in Switzerland. Forum, contacts, etc

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.