Solar powered plane attempts night flight

July 8th 2010

A Solar powered aircraft took off in Switzerland yesterday to attempt a flight through the night

The Solar Impulse is embarking on the longest flight made by such an aircraft in order to demonstrate that commercial solar powered flight could be viable in the future.

The aircraft began its journey at 6.51 am yesterday morning piloted by CEO and co-founder of the project André Borscherg.

Solar panels mounted on the aircraft's wings will power the plane until the sun is no longer powerful enough, at which point energy stored in the battery throughout the day will be used instead.

The plane is to be taken to a maximum altitude of 8,500 metres, before descending to cruising altitude of 1,500 metres

Bertrand Piccard, who created the Solar Impulse project, said the historic flight would "demonstrate the potential of renewable energy and clean technologies and to promote them amongst the public".

The project has been welcomed by the aviation industry, which believes it highlights the feasibility of zero carbon flight, as well as testing a range of lightweight aircraft materials.