Watched by thousands of spectators, Solar Impulse HB-SIA slowly climbed up to 1200 meters above the Swiss countryside.
During the solar plane's first 87 minute test flight, the pilot, Markus Scherdel, familiarized himself with the plane's responses before landing on the Vaudois tarmac. The execution of these various manoeuvres (turns, simulating the approach phase) was designed to get a feel for the aircraft and verify its controllability.
Solar Impulse has an impressive wingspan of a Boeing 747 but weighs only as much as a small car. It is powered using almost 12,000 solar cells, rechargeable lithium batteries and four electric motors used to turn its propellers. The team are preparing to take the Impulse around the world in 2012; a mission that will not use an ounce of fuel.
"This first flight was for me a very intense moment!" exclaimed Markus Scherdel, still under the emotion of the event, on stepping down from the aircraft. "The HB-SIA behaved just as the flight simulator told us. Despite its immense size and feather weight, the aircraft’s controllability matches our expectations"
"This first mission was the most risky phase of the entire project. 1 hour and 27 minutes of intense emotion after 7 years of research, testing and perseverance. Never has an airplane as large and light ever flown before! The aim was to verify the prototype's behaviour in flight and to test its reaction to various manoeuvres. The success of this first flight allows us to envisage the further program with greater serenity!" said a delighted André Borschberg, CEO and co-founder of the project.
"We still have a long way to go until the night flights and an even longer way before flying round the world, but today, thanks to the extraordinary work of an entire team, an essential step towards achieving our vision has been taken", adds Solar Impulse Chairman and initiator Bertrand Piccard. "Our future depends on our ability to convert rapidly to the use of renewable energies. Solar Impulse is intended to demonstrate what can be done already today by using these energies and applying new technologies that can save natural resources."
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