Category Transport and mobility SOLAR IMPULSE SA / Switzerland Project     Around the world in a solar airplane Presentation movie (with English subtitles)   www.solarimpulse.com

To circle the world without fuel and emissions, that is the vision of two Swiss men, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. With a purpose-built solar-powered plane named Solar Impulse they want to achieve this ambitious goal. At the same time their project contributes to research and innovation in renewable energy.

The special feature is that the Solar Impulse can stay in the air even at night. In order to do that, the photovoltaic cells integrated in the wings, which cover an area of 200 m_² produce enough energy during the day that can be stored in batteries. Thus, the four small electric motors with a total capacity of 30 kW can be operated at night or in cloudy weather. Despite its enormous wingspan of 63 meters, the solar airplane weighs about as much as a small sport utility vehicle.

After the first successful test flights have also been made at night, the solar plane will first make an Atlantic crossing and then fly around the world in five stages. For this, a second, even lighter prototype will be built next year.

The real aim of the project is not a new world record but the dissemination of a message. The revolutionary concept should show the enormous potential of renewable resources and promote the use of this technology in everyday life, such as in cars, air conditioners or heaters. The Solar Impulse is a symbol of the progress of renewable energy sources and shows the importance of new technologies for sustainable development.

Contact:
SOLAR IMPULSE SA
PSE-C, EPFL Scientific Park
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
www.solarimpulse.com