Solar-powered plane prepares for aviation history (brietbart.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

A dainty solar-powered plane with wings the width of a giant Airbus will retrace exploits in aviation history, including Charles Lindbergh's first ever transatlantic crossing, before a pioneering round-the-world flight in 2011, project leaders said Tuesday.

The "Solar Impulse" project led by Swiss round-the-world balloon pioneer Bertrand Piccard, undertook real-time computer simulations of a circumnavigation this week, a year before a prototype is due to take to the air.
***
The team is adamant that they will try a first non-stop crossing of the United States by a solar powered aircraft and a first transatlantic flight before they launch the keynote circumnavigation of the globe in May 2011.
***
The Swiss adventurer underlined that the 70 million euro (94 million dollar) project -- the price of two business jets -- was not the template for a solar-powered commercial airliner, but designed to stimulate ideas for pollution-free travel.
***
"It became obvious that the adventures of the 21st century would not be adventures of conquest, but adventures to improve the quality of life," he explained.


***
more: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070522153315.36ku3qfm&show_article=1

http://www.solarimpulse.com/

background: http://www.pvresources.com/en/helios.php

[Javaman]

1. I guess red eye flights are out, huh? nt

[phantom power]

2. I often wonder...

what "ideas for pollution free travel" are stunts like this supposed to stimulate?