Solar-powered airplane (14 photos)

July 7, 2010 in Switzerland, has successfully completed a 24-hour test flight the world's first solar-powered airplane "Solar Impulse". Airplane operated by one pilot. In the daytime the machine is at an altitude of 8 km, charging its batteries with solar energy generated by solar panels, which had already 11 thousand 628 pieces. When it got dark, the aircraft descended to an altitude of one mile and continued the flight, which lasted an additional 12 hours.

In 2012, the Solar Impulse must perform round the world flight. Designers do not doubt that he is able to hold in the air for at least 36 hours without a single drop of fuel. Weight 1600 kg airplane. Wingspan 63, 4 meters.