Solar Impulse stores energy for use after sundown | Aviation International News

Solar Impulse stores energy for use after sundown

The Solar Impulse has made significant progress toward its aim of being the first solar-powered aircraft able to fly at night.

By AIN Staff • AIN Staff

May 23, 2007

The Solar Impulse has made significant progress toward its aim of being the first solar-powered aircraft able to fly at night. The team initiated by famous balloonist Bertrand Piccard began construction of the 200-foot-wingpsan prototype just four weeks ago. Flight tests should start next year.

The design has been significantly changed since an earlier presentation in 2005. There are now four electric motors instead of two. “One motor would be better in terms of efficiency but two, as we were planning in 2005, and now four, allow for better weight distribution over the wing,” Solar Impulse CEO Andre Borschberg explained during a press conference here on Monday.

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