Solar Impulse’s first “flea hop” took place at the Swiss aerodrome, Dubendorf. Markus Scherdel was the pilot in charge of getting the solar aircraft to a height of 1 metre over a distance of 350 metres. In doing so, Scherdel and the rest of the Solar Impulse team have overcome the first hurdle for this amazing aircraft, which has the wingspan of an Airbus, over 60 metres, but weighs just 1,800 kilogrammes.
The results of the ground tests conducted these last few weeks to verify numerous parameters (the prototype’s controllability, acceleration, braking paths and, engine power) had been overwhelming positive, leading the team to give the go-ahead to Markus Scherdel, the test pilot, to take the prototype, which has over 12,000 photovoltaic solar cells on its wings, up to its take-off speed.
The project promoters, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, were present during Solar Impulse’s maiden flight that triggered frenzied applause from the entire project team. "This is an unbelievable and unforgettable moment,” said Bertrand Piccard, initiator and President of Solar Impulse, although he recognised that “it’s a long way between these initial tests and a circumnavigation of the world”.
After six years of work, the aircraft is now ready for the next phase – actual flight tests – during 2010. To this end, Solar Impulse will now be dismantled and transported to the airfield at Payerne where its solar panels will be connected and it will make its first solar test flight, gradually increasing flight duration until it makes its first night flight using solar energy.
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