Solar plane makes maiden flight/hop

The first solar powered plane has made it’s maiden flea hop on December 3, 2009.  Solar Impulse plans to fly it around the world.  It’s an unmanned plane, that will fly autonomously, powered by four engines, 10HP each.  It has a wingspan three times it’s length.  With a speed of only on average 75km/h it will take some time for it to cover the distance around the globe.  It will gain altitude during the day, while descending at night, optimizing energy use and storage.

We’ve done it! It actually took off! With its immense wingspan and low speed it seemed to just hang in the air without moving for 30 seconds. But that was enough for it to fly 350 metres. The whole team held its breath while test pilot Markus Scherdel stabilised the Solar Impulse with a few tweaks of the ailerons before touching down smoothly. André watched the manoeuvre at the controls of a helicopter with a camera installed while I followed the plane on the runway with the test team.

Solar Impulse – Around The World in a Solar Airplane