The solar airplane "Solar Impulse2" took off from Abu Dhabi on a round-the-world trip
The solar airplane Solar Impulse, the SI2, took off early this morning in Abu Dhabi for the first leg of the round-the-world trip, in the direction of Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. Originally scheduled Saturday, the flight had been delayed because of the wind, a binding setting for this very slow airplane. The journey of 35,000 kilometers last five months and will include twelve steps
This morning at 3 o'clock 12 Universal Time, 4 12 pm French time, or 7 am local time 12, HB-SIB, piloted by André Borschberg, took off from the runway at Al Bateen Airport reserved in business aviation in Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE. SI2 went east to a fairly short stage - a little over 400 km - which will be covered in a dozen hours. Solar plane 72 m wingspan, powered by four engines of 13.5 kW (17.5 hp) each, flies slowly (about 80 km / h), and not in a straight line to avoid too troublesome winds. André Borschberg will see the track from Muscat International Airport in Oman, and in the evening.
Solar plane took off at sunrise with weak batteries charged (by sunlight, soil, during the previous days), but its 17,248 photovoltaic cells produce good weather, more power than the engines and avionics consume. With its batteries charged the HB-SIB will land tonight. As explained André Borschberg during flights on the HB-SIA prototype, with this plane, we can "refuel while driving."
This world tour five months culmination of an adventure that began twelve years ago and currently involves approximately 80 people, does not intend to test a prototype for future aircraft.
The technologies used are innovative, both in the capture and management of the energy in the construction of the aircraft, which is like no other. The Solar Impulse team wants to demonstrate as well as alternative energy sources to fossil is an opportunity to find new technical solutions in multiple areas.
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