| The incredible challenge launched by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg of flying day and night with an airplane propelled solely by solar energy, without fuel or polluting emissions, is entering a new phase. After 5 years of engineering, simulations and construction, the prototype solar aircraft HB-SIA will be unveiled to the media on Friday, 26th of June at Dübendorf airfield next to Zurich.
At this occasion the solar airplane will make its first public appearance fully assembled, with its 64 m wing, its fuselage, its 11'628 solar cells, its cockpit with controls and navigation instruments, its four engines and their 3.50 m propellers. Solar Impulse is a totally innovative airplane, with
- the wingspan of an Airbus A340 (63.40 m)
- the weight of a motor car (1,600 kg)
- the engine power of a scooter (40 CV).
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