Solar Impulse, a solar powered plane unveiled June 26, 2009

[gy2020]

SOLAR IMPULSE - AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR AIRPLANE

Adventurer Unveils Solar-Powered Plane for Around-the-World Flight

by Caleb Johnson — Jun 28th 2009 at 2:09PM
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Adventure runs through Bertrand Piccard's veins. He was born that way, thanks to a father who dove deeper in the ocean than any other man, and a grandfather who was the first man to fly a hot-air balloon into the stratosphere. To paraphrase a certain country singer, daring feats are just 'a family tradition' for the Piccards. After floating around the world in a balloon called Orbiter 3, the youngest Piccard recently unveiled plans for a new grand adventure.

Adventurer Unveils Solar-Powered Plane for Around-the-World Flight

[VRE332]

Nice article. I would imagine he's going to try to sell this to the DoD. It would be a great spy plane

[southgeorgia]

Originally Posted by VRE332

I would imagine he's going to try to sell this to the DoD. It would be a great spy plane

Fossil fuels is and will remain the only viable energy source for safe air traffic for the time being. If not the primary source, the aircraft will at least be equipped with some type of oil burning propulsion system.


The risk of sending an airman over enemy territory in a solar powered airplane is far too high.

The FAQ in the link stated the pilot will be equipped with a parachute for use in the event he runs out of energy and has no where to land.

Would you take that mission over North Korea?