An aircraft named the Solar Impulse, that has ambitions to be the first solar-powered aircraft to fly around the world, completed its first runway tests in Switzerland recently.
According to Wired.com, "With the four electric motors running on sunlight, these first tests were slow, only getting up to about 10 knots. [...] Next up, according to the team, is taxi tests up to takeoff speed of about 20 knots for some short "flea hops" into the air. First flights beyond the airport runway are expected early next year."
The team hopes the Solar Impulse will be the first aircraft to circle the globe in 36 hours nonstop, without fuel.
-Huffingtonpost.com
Link for runway test video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3IfVC8eLo&feature=player_embedded
I doubt that technology will ever get us out of the huge commuter planes though. This was cool, I think we should try to use solar power a.m.a.p (as much as possible).
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool! I really like that you added the pictures. I think you did a good job of your summary as well.
ReplyDeleteGrade: 9.5
ReplyDeleteMistake: Use single quotes when quoting within a quote. "Next up, according to the team, is taxi tests up to takeoff speed of about 20 knots for some short 'flea hops' into the air. First flights beyond the airport runway are expected early next year."