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Solar-Powered Plane Makes Runway Debut

Posted by timothy on from the endless-summer dept.

MikeChino writes "The much-hyped Solar Impulse airplane just completed its first runway test, paving the way for a 20-to-25-day trip around the world next year. Conceived by Bertrand Piccard, the single-pilot plane successfully used its four solar powered motors to taxi around the runway. If all goes according to plan the plane will be able to fly day and night without fuel, signaling a bright future for solar-powered flight."

6 of 120 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Better site? by nacturation · · Score: 2, Funny

    would have to factor in wind resistance from the giant wings, but that's cross sectional area, I thought, that causes drag, so if you made the wings really thin...

    If the weight ratio is too great, you could simply have two planes and suspend the pilot on a line between the wings.

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  2. Re:Better site? by jimicus · · Score: 3, Funny

    If the weight ratio is too great, you could simply have two planes and suspend the pilot on a line between the wings.

    Probably necessary in more northern latitudes such as Europe, but in Africa I reckon one plane could easily carry the pilot.

  3. Re:Commas by MichaelSmith · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yes I realised my mistake about one ohnosecond after I posted that.

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    http://michaelsmith.id.au
  4. Re:Better site? by jamesh · · Score: 2, Funny

    suspend the pilot on a line between the wings.

    What? Held under the dorsal guiding struts?

  5. Re:What are the implications for solar races? by AliasMarlowe · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, a plane is just a flying car after all...

    Actually, a car is a badly designed plane. Just try driving one off a cliff, and you'll see what I mean.

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    Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
  6. Re:Commas by cvd6262 · · Score: 3, Funny

    The decimal comma is an SI standard as much as the decimal point and its usage is preferred (according to Wikipedia) in Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, French Canada, Romania, Sweden and much of the rest of Europe.

    I was in the Louvre looking at the old French crown jewels when I heard someone read the display: "Fifty-four THOUSAND carats!?!?! WOW!"

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    I'd rather have someone respond than be modded up.