Solar Impulse, Solar Aircraft to soar over the European sky

Still remember the plane flight record holder for longest without fossil fuels, Solar Impulse HB-SIA?

This aircraft is solar-powered aircraft in early July last year, able to fly for 26 hours nonstop, pure without fuel and just rely on solar power.

Just a note, an unmanned solar plane had been present since around the 1980's.

However, the Solar Impulse live flight done while carrying a pilot, namely Andre Borschberg, one of the research project leader.

Flight, as reported Discover magazine, December 20, 2010, made possible after the researchers put 12 thousand photovoltaic cells on the tail and the wing length is 64 meters.

Tues photovoltaic it sends extra energy into the battery during the day and was able to supply power for the four propeller is to keep working at night.

Not satisfied with these achievements, HB-SIA team now plans to circumnavigate the globe with this solar powered plane.

To smooth the plan around the world, this plane will make its first international flight early next week, from Switzerland to Brussels airport Belgium, a distance of approximately 500 km.

Actually, this is not a difficult flight for this aircraft, given the HB-SIA can fly all night without stopping. But according to the HB-SIA team, flights involving international airport has' great technical challenge. "

"The aircraft we will be ready to take off on May 2, 2011, and will be landed as soon as possible if weather support," said team HB-SIA, as reported by site Physorg.

Team HB-SIA itself has been equipping and training all members to support this important mission. Starting from the meteorologists, flight planners, air traffic controllers, up to the engineers of aircraft and specialist in IT.

"Flying aircraft such as the Solar Impulse Europe across the sky and landed at the international airport is an exciting challenge for us all. Success depends on the support we have received from all authorities concerned," said Andre Borschberg, HB-SIA pilot's record-breaking flight longest, in July last year.

At least, the success of this aircraft will provide hope of a rapid mode of transport that does not depend on fossil fuels.