More Money Needed For Solar-Powered Plane
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 February 2008, 10:00 CST
Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard wants to be the first man to fly a solar-powered airplane around the world.The problem, he says, is that more money is needed to finish building the craft. He said that the prototype of the "SolarImpulse" plane, which relies on no fuel or emissions, was already in the works.
So, far Piccard said Solar Impulse has already raised $60 million of the $90 million project.
"What we need now is to have the second part of the funding, for the second airplane to fly around the world. So we're looking for other partners, if possible in Asia or America," Piccard told reporters at a news conference in Singapore.
The craft, which will only hold one person, will consist of a massive 262.5 foot wingspan which will provide space for solar cells to power the plane.
At the news conference, Piccard announced that his “SolarImpulse” project had partnered with the International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which said that it will help by gaining proper air traffic control clearance.
News of the craft came in the wake of IATA pressure to gain the technology to fly with zero carbon emissions within the next 50 years.
Piccard said that the team is behind schedule because they are taking extra time with their simulations . He still plans to be able to pilot the solar-powered craft by 2011.
In 1999, Piccard piloted a hot-air balloon in the first nonstop around the world of its kind.
"We are a little bit late. We wanted to make the first test flight this summer but will probably make it in the beginning of next year," Piccard said.
The current flight plan for the "SolarImpulse" plane consists of four stages stretched over 15 days, with various stops used to change pilots.
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Photo Caption: The Solar Impulse single-pilot aircraft will be designed to fly around the world powered only by solar energy. It will be constructed using ultra-light materials and be able to fly during the night on batteries charged during the day.
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Solar Impulse
Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports
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