Jaipur, Nov 16: 'Solarimplse,' a solar plane, dubbed
a revolutionary project in the field of aviation, will have
its first test flight April next year in Switzerland, an
officer said on Sunday.
Besides, the micro-light-like plane is scheduled to take
off for a round-the-world flight in May 2011, project
communication head Phil Mundwiller said.
The pollution-free plane would fly with zero fuel on the
strength of solar power both day and night, whose prototype
was displayed here as part of the 60th ceremony of
India-Switzerland Friendship Treaty.
Phil said two aircraft with the investment of USD 100
million are being designed by a team of 60 engineers. Its
commercial production is expected to start by 2011.
There would be a world trip in five legs starting with
crossing the US and the Atlantic.
The single-pilot plane is based on innovative techniques
in terms of aerodynamics, structure, construction methods and
propulsion.
The plane, according to him, aims to demonstrate the
"immense potential" of renewable energy by flying day and
night using no fuel and creating no pollution.
The undersides of the wings are covered with flexible film
and the upper surface with a skin of encapsulated solar cells.
It has a 61 metre wingspan for improved aerodynamics.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 00:00