"Sunny" airplane Solar Impulse 2 travel around the world

About solar-powered plane Solar Impulse Habré wrote few times . This aircraft set several records, including the time spent in the air, overcoming a certain distance without landing, and others. The aircraft showed their best side, and problems with it almost poznikalo.

But developers are not satisfied with the first version of "solar" aircraft and made Solar Impulse 2. This aircraft is greater than its ancestor, its wingspan is 72 meters. Weight as Solar Impulse 2 reaches 2, 3 tons. Resistance of single aircraft covered 17248 solar panels that produce energy and to supply electric motors aircraft. The maximum speed of the aircraft - 140 kilometers per hour, which is longer than the first version (about 50 kilometers per hour).

According to the project team, they managed to increase the energy efficiency of the aircraft, and quite significantly. Among other things, now optimized for aircraft flying in all weather conditions, including the intersection of cloud bands. In addition, Solar Impulse 2 can now cross the zone of turbulence at that Solar Impulse first version was unable to. Theoretically, a new plane could be in the air indefinitely. Almost - the pilot need to rest (in-flight pilot sleeps only 2 hours a day), he was "just a man", so occasionally have to descend from heaven to earth.

Yes, and now it is more convenient to the pilot to control the aircraft, because the cab comfortable armchairs. Earlier, the pilot had to be in the not very comfortable environment all the time of flight (and this - many hours).

As for the world tour, it will be launched in the next, in 2015. The route will consist of several stages: Switzerland - India-Myanmar - China - flight over the Pacific Ocean - United States - flight over the Atlantic - Southern Europe or North Africa - Switzerland.

Via ap.org

Source: habrahabr.ru/post/218861/