Solar_Impulse 2

Solar Impulse 2 project team has conducted the first test flights of the solar-powered aircraft in Abu Dhabi ahead of its planned round-the-world flight in early March.

Test pilot Markus Scherdel evaluated performance of the aircraft under various weather conditions, and Solar Impulse co-founder and pilot André Borschberg flew the aircraft for a full day test flight.

Mr Borschberg said: "These first test flights in Abu Dhabi are an important stage, a step closer towards the impending round-the-world solar flight attempt.

"Si2 incorporates innovative technology to render the aircraft more efficient, reliable, sustainable and in particular, better adapted to long-haul flights.

"The solar-powered aircraft will travel for 25 flight days over five months, and at speeds between 50kmph and 100kmph."

"It is the first of its kind, an aircraft with perpetual endurance and now, we must ensure the sustainability of the pilot in-flight."

The team will conduct additional test flights in the next few days in preparation for the aircraft to circumnavigate the world.

Solar Impulse 2 will travel 35,000km during the global flight covering 12 locations, including Muscat, Oman, Ahmedabad and Varanasi, India, Mandalay, Myanmar, and Chongqing and Nanjing, China.

The solar-powered aircraft will travel for 25 flight days over five months, and at speeds between 50kmph and 100kmph.

Solar Impulse 2 is the upgraded version of the solar-powered prototype Solar Impulse 1 with a wingspan of 72m and the weight of 2.3t. The aircraft wings are equipped with 17,000 solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity.

Image: Solar Impulse 2 completed a full day test flight in preparation to circumnavigate the world. Photo: courtesy of Solar Impulse SA.