admin (Solar Impulse) We are now closing down this web-based Q&A and we would like to sincerely thank all those of you who brought up such interesting questions. We look forward for the next steps of our project and inviting you to join us again. Best regards from the whole Solar Impulse Team admin (Solar Impulse) Yes, you can use the videos for broadcast Pasotti (Free lance journalist) Videos downloaded can be broadcasted? admin (Solar Impulse) If the improvements are sufficient, in cells domain as well as in the batteries one, the HB-SIB sould fly even higher than 8'500 m - but, of course, with a pressurized cockpit. And to achieved such an integration, you need of course energy - and sources for getting it. Angrand (Aerial) Does that mean that HB-SIB will fly no highter than 8500 meters or do you expect to pressurise the cockpit and fly higher ? admin (Solar Impulse) Of course. All the developpements en improuvements linked to Solar Impulse are protected by brevets. It doesn't mean that we want to keep our discoverings strictly for us! Partners and interested persons are all welcome. Loisel (radio-canada) Have you asked brevet to protect your technology ? How many ? admin (Solar Impulse) Our exspectation is to use more largely the renewable, to use the project as a symbol. Because, if a plane can fly using only solar energy, that means that we can do the same for houses, cars, heating systems, computers, etc. using renewable energy and protect the climate. admin (Solar Impulse) Tests are planned in Switzerland, here in Dübendorf, first, and than in Payerne. But if needed, we have been stuying the possibility to proceed tests in other places - of course where the solar energy is very powerful. admin (Solar Impulse) The cockpit of the HB-SIA is not pressurised. Due to the lack of air above 8'500 m, and the neccessity to use oxygen, you cannot fly safely higher than that. Han (Objective Communications) As you said, the aircraft will fly at night with the energy generated at day. What’s your expectation to the future application? Han (Objective Communications) Would you explain from the technical side how the HB-SIA could fly with such weight and span? admin (Solar Impulse) The flight round the world planned to stop in China. Could be Shanghai, could be Beijing,... not yet defined. Han (Objective Communications) • Have you confirmed to stop in China when the aircraft fly around the world? Which city in China? admin (Solar Impulse) We have good contacts now, but no contract have been signed for the time been. Han (Objective Communications) • At present, do you receive any sponsors/partners from China to attend the project? Thank you very much! de () how is it obtained that the plan cannot fly above 8 500 meter? Angrand (Aerial) these tests will be completed only in Switzerland or will you flight testing HB-SIA in other places, aeras ? admin (Solar Impulse) The first target of the project is to spare energy. Therefor, the technics we developed fof building the HB-SIA, chasing every useless gramm, could be applied in transport technics, car and more generally vehicles building. There have been many challenges, from the faisability study to the unveiling of today. The biggest was even to realise very light parts, but not less strong. Azpicueta (MC Dilo) What will suppose for the aeronautical industry this advance and for the society in general? Finally, which has been the major challenge of the project? Thank you very much Alexiou-Papandreou (TA NEA) what is your biggest fear? admin (Solar Impulse) The first flight tests are exspected for this late summer, beginning of fall. For how long?... Not possible to answer yet, but the planning says till 2011. admin (Solar Impulse) The project is supported by around 60 sponsors, partners and suppliers. Difficult to give you a precise answer, who brought how much. All together, the project is a 100 millions CHF one, and all the actual sponsors have engaged themselves for 75%. admin (Solar Impulse) It will depend a lot of the meteorogical and flight conditions. Like round the world sailors, he will have maybe 15 minutes in the worse case, 2 hours in the best one. Angrand (Aerial) how long the tests will last on HB-SIA ? When do you expect to finish them ? admin (Solar Impulse) Where did you hear that ther will be two pilots onboard the HB-SIB?...It's not yet defined at all. The results and analysis brought by the first prototype, HB-SIA, will set the bases for the design of the second plane, HB-SIB. But currently, we have first to test the first one. admin (Solar Impulse) There will be five legs of five days each. With the stops, that means at least four to five months months alltogether. Loisel (radio-canada) How much each sponsor has invested in this project ? Alexiou-Papandreou (TA NEA) how much sleep will the pilot get every day? admin (Solar Impulse) The first test flights are planed for this late summer - beginning of fall. The pilot is not yet defined. Alexiou-Papandreou (TA NEA) how long will the trip around the world last? de () The next plane is for 2011 (?), this one should have place for two pilots, what is it that is to be improved to reach that? de () When is the first testflight? And who is the pilot for this testflight? admin (Solar Impulse) Of course there are risks, as there ar risks in every round the world journey. By testing the plane and training both, men and machine, we aim to improve every process and fly around the world totaly safe. The target is not to take risks, but to demonstrate the hudge potential of renewable energies. admin (Solar Impulse) Yes, it is and and will be more and more usable and useful. Look for instance the developments and progress achieved in the solar cells technology. There is no real time frame to define, as the implementation of renewable energies has already begun. Pasotti (Free lance journalist) Are there any risks associated to this project (flying around the world)? Pasotti (Free lance journalist) Do you think this technology will ever be usable for transport of people/goods? If so, any idea about the time frame? admin (Solar Impulse) Hello everybody! The unveiling is about to start... at noon. The media representives can start sending their questions now. We will not be able to answer immediately to all of them. Some of the questions will be taken up during the q&a session. The others will be handled as soon as possible admin (Solar Impulse) Friday June 26th, noon GMT+2, follow the conference live on this page. See you soon! |