Flying on sunshine

 

A solar powered plane has been rolled out for an initial series of stationery tests. Dubbed ‘Solar Impulse’ the plane is Switzerland’s bid to make the first solar powered flight around the world.

All four of Solar Impulse’s sun-powered engines were switched on for the tests which will include monitoring for electromagnetic interference.

Andre Borschberg, co-founder and Chief Executive of Solar Impulse told AFP: "With its engines running at full power, it gave the impression of wanting to get off the ground straightaway... but it won't be long now before we release the brakes and let it roll its first few metres."

Solar Impulse is a single-seater with a wingspan that matches an Airbus A380. It weighs 1,600 kilogrammes,  the weight of a medium-sized car.

The plane is currently sitting outside at Duebendorf aerodrome, near Zurich, and is being prepared for its maiden flight over the next coming weeks.

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