Piccard and team prepare solar airplane for night flight | Aviation International News

Piccard and team prepare solar airplane for night flight

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

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

July 5, 2007

The Solar Impulse has made significant progress toward its goal of being the first solar-powered aircraft to fly at night. Led by psychiatrist and accomplished aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, the team began construction of the 200-foot-wingspan prototype in late April. Flight tests are scheduled to start next year.

The Solar Impulse concept, at least, was tested last month in Geneva in a simulated virtual flight. It took off early on Monday, May 21 from Honolulu, and landed late on May 24 in Phoenix, rather than the originally planned destination in Florida. “The experience gained in being forced to carry out a significant diversion has been invaluable in the training of the mission team,” the virtual pilots said.

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