Solar plane makes its maiden flight; gears up for round-the-world journey in 2015

Solar Impulse 2 took off for its maiden flight from Switzerland on Monday, June 2. The solar-powered plane that will be taken on a round-the-world journey in 2015, is a modified version of the aircraft which Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg piloted across the United States in 2013.

The carbon-fibre aircraft has a huge wingspan, which at 72m is wider than a Boeing 747 jet. And yet, the vehicle weighs only 2.3 tonnes. The tops of the wings are covered by 17,000 solar cells, which drive four brushless electric motors at speeds of up to 140km/h (90mph). During the day, the solar cells will recharge lithium batteries, which can then be used to keep the SI2’s propellers turning through the night.

After the Solar Impulse prototype’s 8 world records, when it became the first solar airplane ever to fly through the night, between two continents, and across the United States, it is time for Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg to move on to the final phase of the adventure: the 2015 round-the-world flight.

What better way to demonstrate the importance of the pioneering, innovatory spirit than by achieving “impossible” things with renewable energy and highlighting new solutions for environmental problems?

The route: from the deserts of the Persian Gulf, dodging the unrelenting Indian monsoon, flying over the Burmese temples and the Great Wall of China, followed by two oceans crossings (with an American “dream” break in between), all to come back around to where it all began in the Persian Gulf.

A great historic first: for such an adventure, as for any premiere, there are no references. We were, and will be, faced with a number of challenges, leading us to push the limits of technological, human and piloting performance.
Around The World: crossing oceans and continents

The Around-the-World Mission Flights will take place over 5 months from the beginning of March to the end of July 2015. A host city is currently being identified in the Gulf, which will serve as the departing and landing destination.

A Northern hemisphere, easterly route is foreseen. In order to switch the pilots, stopovers will be made in India, Myanmar, China, the USA and Southern Europe or Northern Africa. The exact cities and airport destinations will be selected based on technical and operational considerations as well as their possible involvement and support of the project and mission flights.

Around The World

An overview of the First Round-The-World Solar Flight, in numbers:

• 2 pilots, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, flying one after the other in the single-seater cockpit
• 1 airplane: Solar Impulse 2
• Zero fuel on board
• A 35,000km (22,000 miles) journey
• 500 flying hours approx.
• 10 legs approx., some lasting more than 5 days and nights
• A 5-month mission (March-August 2015)
• A 60 people support team