"Solar Impulse sets new record

 

The solar-powered plane, after taking off from Phoenix, Arizona, covered a distance of 1,541 kilometers in 18 hours and 21 minutes and landed successfully on Wednesday night.  in Dallas, Texas.

The goal of the project is to demonstrate the possibilities of renewable energy sources.

"The Solar Impulse HB-SIA has the same wingspan as the  Airbus A340, but weighs only 1.6 tons - for comparison,  total weight  A340 is 370 tons.

The wing and stabilizer are covered with more than 12,000 solar cells that power the four electric motors and recharge the lithium-ion  batteries, a total weight of 400 kg, to fly at night.

Piloted the plane  Swiss pilot  Andre Borschberg.

Mr. Borschberg  In 2010 he had already set the record for the longest flight - more than 26 hours. "That flight was especially difficult because of the rather strong wind on landing and the length of the flight. - said  You have to understand that the pilot has to stay awake for more than 20 hours, because the plane is not equipped with an autopilot.

The U.S. administration and politicians actively support business in the development of new energy technologies.

According to the foreign press for ForTrader.ru