Flight around the world
Solar Impulse 2 has landed in China: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32110747
A solar-powered plane called Solar Impulse 2 is trying to become the first solar-powered plane to travel around the globe.
Solar Impulse 1 has already flown across the United States, storing enough energy from the sun to fly overnight.
Now, after launching from Abu Dhabi in the Middle East on 9 March, Solar Impulse 2 is trying to do even better and fly for 25 days, all the way around the Earth.
Solar Impulse 1 has already flown across the United States, storing enough energy from the sun to fly overnight.
Now, after launching from Abu Dhabi in the Middle East on 9 March, Solar Impulse 2 is trying to do even better and fly for 25 days, all the way around the Earth.
How does it work?
This plane turns the light from the sun into electricity. The electricity makes the propellers turn so it can fly. The top of the wings are covered with panels. These panels are what traps the light and turns it into electricity.
The plane uses its super-wide wings to glide on currents of air without the need for much power.
This plane turns the light from the sun into electricity. The electricity makes the propellers turn so it can fly. The top of the wings are covered with panels. These panels are what traps the light and turns it into electricity.
The plane uses its super-wide wings to glide on currents of air without the need for much power.
The journey
The distance the plane must travel to fly around the world is 21,700 miles. The pilots will need to stop 11 times for a proper rest before they complete their challenge. Some legs of the trip, such as over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, are so long that the pilots must fly for five or six days non-stop.
The distance the plane must travel to fly around the world is 21,700 miles. The pilots will need to stop 11 times for a proper rest before they complete their challenge. Some legs of the trip, such as over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, are so long that the pilots must fly for five or six days non-stop.
Where it will stop?
- Abu Dhabi (start)
- Oman
- India (2 stops)
- Myanmar
- China (2 stops)
- USA (4 stops)
- One stop in
Southern Europe - Abu Dhabi (finish)
About the plane
The plane is wider than a Jumbo Jet. But it's really light. It weighs about the same as a standard family car.
It will also fly much slower than jet planes fly. Its top speed will be 62mph, 10 times slower than most jets.
The plane is wider than a Jumbo Jet. But it's really light. It weighs about the same as a standard family car.
It will also fly much slower than jet planes fly. Its top speed will be 62mph, 10 times slower than most jets.
Why are they doing it?
Because it's a challenge! Also the Swiss pilots hope that the people who are interested in their flight will choose to use solar power and other clean technologies in the future.