An improved Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft. Free Technical Library News

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Enhanced Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft

20.04.2014

In Switzerland, the developers have presented an improved model of the aircraft Solar Impulse, powered by solar panels. Now the aircraft can fly up to 6 days. The goal of the project is a continuous 120-hour journey around the Earth.

The inventors of the solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse presented its second modification, the first round-the-world flight of the device will take place in a year, Agence France-Presse reported on Thursday. The presentation of the model took place at the Swiss air base Payern in front of an audience of 500 people, among whom were officials, sponsors and diplomats.

In the new modification, the aircraft has increased carrying capacity. Also now he will be able to fly for up to 6 days. Thanks to the isolated electrical circuit, the device can fly in heavy rainfall conditions. In addition, the dimensions have been increased: the wingspan is 72 m, which is comparable to the Airbus A-380. At the same time, the new model weighs 2,3 tons, which is less than 1% of the weight of the A-380. 17248 solar panels are installed on the wings and fuselage of the model.

"These two aircraft are the most energy efficient aircraft ever built. The first model was a prototype, a flying laboratory. We will need at least 5 days and nights to fly from China to the US and from there to Europe," said Solar Impulse pilot Andre Borschberg.

Test flights will begin in Switzerland next month, and after March 2015, the plane should fly east from a city in the Persian Gulf. During the round-the-world trip, 4-5 stops will be made.

Created by Swiss designers André Borchberg and Bertrand Piccard, the aircraft was first presented to the public at the end of June 2009. The first long-term flight of a solar-powered aircraft took place on April 7, 2010. Then Solar Impulse managed to spend approximately 75 minutes in the air.

In June 2012, the device made the first intercontinental flight from Switzerland to Morocco, covering a distance of about 2,5 thousand km in two stages. In May 2013, Solar Impulse made a flight, covering a record 26 thousand km in 1,5 hours.

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