Solar Impulse, a European long-range plane powered only by solar energy, has completed its
first international flight from Payerne, Switzerland to Brussels, Belgium covering an astonishing 480 kilometers.
The plane took off from Payerne on Friday and after 13 hours of continuous flight landed at the Brussels Airport. The whole journey, for the first time for Solar Impulse, required navigation through international air traffic networks.
Project co-founder and pilot Andre Borschberg told
Reuters by telephone during the flight:
“The objective is to demonstrate what we can do with existing technology in terms of renewable energy and energy savings. It is symbolic to be able to go from one place to another using solar energy.”
The revolutionary aircraft made its debut back in April 2010 when it covered 87 miles on its very first flight. The ultimate goal of the project is to deliver a solar-powered, piloted, fixed-wing aircraft that can circle the Earth non-stop.
The wingspan of Solar Impulse is equal to that of a Jumbo Jet (Boeing 777). Further, as it demonstrated last year the aircraft can stay airborne even at night thanks to its 12,000 solar cells.
After the accomplishment of the important goal of a successful international flight, Solar Impulse is now slated to be exhibited at the Paris Air Show.
