Solar Airplane to Circumnavigate the Globe in 2011

Solar Impulse

This is the name of the 201ft-wingspan solar-powered airplane being built by international adventurer Bertrand Piccard. In 1999, Piccard was the first man to travel completely around the globe in a balloon and will now attempt the first round-the-world solar-powered airplane flight. This project has been in the works for the better part of 6 years. As an added bonus due to recent advancements in lithium ion battery and photovoltaic (solar) cell technology, the plane is being modified to take full advantage of these advancemets, making it up to 30% more efficient.

Quick Stats:

Price to build: $94 Million
Wingspan: 201ft
Seating: 1 person
Weight: 3300lbs
Motors: 4 electric
Ceiling: 27,000ft

website: www.solarimpulse.com

Not likely we'll be switching commercial flights to solar power anytime soon, but this is an amazing project to display the advancements and capabilities of renewable energy.

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