Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

5 of 120 comments (clear)

  1. Re:until storm/nightfall/eclipse hit by CyberDragon777 · · Score: 5, Informative

    RTFS!

    "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."

    --
    We both said a lot of things that you are going to regret.
  2. Re:Commas by Marcika · · Score: 5, Informative
    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.

    Have a look where the design team and the sponsors come from.

  3. Insightfull my ass by SmallFurryCreature · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This guy isn't insightful, he is a twit.

    Not all planes are passenger planes. This plane would be perfect for unmanned or long range observation. Carrying all your fuel aboard becomes incredibly expensive the longer your range has to be. This plane solves that by refueling constantly while inflight.

    Insightful? No, short-sighted, yes.

    --

    MMO Quests are like orgasms:

    You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.

  4. Re:NASA already has a Solar UAV by Goffee71 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    oh, big planes can glide a loooong way - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9

    --
    If he's the Walrus then can I be a penguin please?
  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.

    --
    Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire