|
|
The first solar-powered plane prototype was rolled out here in Zurich airbase in Switzerland. Solar Impulse has been instrumental in designing this prototype.
The engineers switched on the four sun-fuelled electric motors to see the functions of those motors on the run-way.
Andre Borschberg, co-founder and chief executive of Solar Impulse, said, "With its engines running at full power, it gave the impression of wanting to get off the ground straightaway... but it won’ be long now before we release the brakes and let it roll its first few metres.”
The engineers are designing a single seater plane with the wingspan of an Airbus A380 airliner. It will take its maiden test flight in the coming weeks.
The solar-powered plane looks like a medium sized car weighing only 1,600 kilogrammes. The support staff of the flight mission will test the flight in a clear sky having a light breeze only.
According to Andre Borschberg, they are making some more tests and modifications before the test flight at Dubendorf airbase.
"Compared to its weight and size, it is lighter than the best performing gliders," he explained.
The prototype of this solar-powered plane was first unveiled in June this year.
According to the scientific team, they are planning to make non-stop 36 hour flight in the spring 2010 and make commercial flights around the world in 2012.
