Under the eyes of thousands of spectators from all over Switzerland, Solar Impulse HB-SIA slowly climbed up to 1,200 metres. For the next 87 minutes, Solar Impulse test pilot Markus Scherdel familiarised himself with the prototype’s flight behaviour and performed the initial flight exercises before making the first landing on the Vaudois tarmac. The execution of these various manoeuvres (turns, simulating the approach phase) was designed to get a feel for the aircraft and verify its controllability.
“This first flight was for me a very intense moment!” exclaimed Solar Impulse test pilot Markus Scherdel, still under the emotion of the event, on stepping down from the aircraft. “The HB-SIA behaved just as the flight simulator told us! Despite its immense size and feather weight, the aircraft’s controllability matches our expectations!”
Solar Impulse’s maiden flight was an all round success. To date, the solar-powered aircraft had only performed what is known in the aviation world as a “flea hop” at a height of 1 metre over 350 metres, for just a few seconds. This first test took place back in December and was reported by Renewable Energy Magazine. Today’s demonstration, however, shows that the aircraft is capable of generating enough electricity to keep the craft, which has the same wingspan as an Airbus 340 (63.4 metres) and weighs 1,800 kilogrammes, in the air.
“This first mission was the most risky phase of the entire project. 1 hour 27 minutes of intense emotion after seven years of research, testing and perseverance. Never has an airplane as large and light ever flown before! The aim was to verify the prototype’s behaviour in flight and to test its reaction to various manoeuvres. The success of this first flight allows us to envisage the further program with greater serenity!” said a delighted André Borschberg, CEO and co-founder of the project.
“We still have a long way to go until the night flights and an even longer way before flying round the world, but today, thanks to the extraordinary work of an entire team, an essential step towards achieving our vision has been taken”, adds Solar Impulse Chairman and initiator Bertrand Piccard. “Our future depends on our ability to convert rapidly to the use of renewable energies. Solar Impulse is intended to demonstrate what can be done already today by using these energies and applying new technologies that can save natural resources.”
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