At a glance 1 min

Solar impulse flies USA

Solar impulse flies USA
Solar impulse flies USA

The Solar Impulse team has set itself a final mission before attempting its around-the-world flight in 2015 - crossing the USA from West to East, without using a drop of fuel.

The "Across America" event kicks off in May 2013 in San Francisco with stopovers in Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta or St. Louis and Washington, ending in New York about two months later, depending on local weather conditions and winds.

With a Jumbo-Set wingspan (63.4 m) and the weight of a small car (1600 kg), Solar Impulse will be the first aircraft powered only by solar energy and able to fly 24/24 day and night uninterrupted, to cross the United States.

The Across America mission is getting financial support from its usual partners: Solvay, Schindler, Bayer MaterialScience, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and the Swiss Confederation.

More information
www.solarimpulse.com

If you enjoyed this article, you'll love the next!
  • A solar sail for producing green electricity
    At a glance 2 min
    A solar sail for producing green electricity

    The French start-up Héole has come up with the idea of developing organic photovoltaic sails to produce green energy to power boats. And it intends to make this dream a reality during the next Route d...

  • Solar impulse flies USA
    At a glance 1 min
    Solar impulse flies USA

    ...

  • AeroSHARK, a "shark skin" to cover aircraft
    At a glance 2 min
    AeroSHARK, a "shark skin" to cover aircraft

    Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has decided to coat the 12 Boeing 777s in its fleet with a polymer adhesive film. This new surface technology will reduce the fuel consumption of the sub-fleet by...