News: Fuel-Free (Solar) Airplane Being Developed

Image Source: Solar Impulse

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed an agreement offering support for a solar airplane that will fly around the world with no fuel and zero emissions.

A Swiss company named Solar Impulse is building the first prototype airplane that aims to demonstrate the feasibility of flying day and night, propelled only by solar energy. The IATA will become an institutional partner of the company to provide support including assistance in obtaining air traffic control clearance and more.

The initial prototype with a 200 foot (61-metre) wingspan, referred to by its registration number of "HB-SIA" will have a mission is to verify the working hypotheses in practice and to validate the selected construction technologies and procedures. If the results are conclusive, it could make a 36-hour flight - the equivalent of a complete day-night-day cycle - in 2009 without any fuel.

Director General of IATA Giovanni Bisignani, says “the alliance is looking towards zero carbon emissions for future air travel and he believes solar power is one of the building blocks that will make this happen.”

The first test flights will take place early next year (2009) when the plane will fly around the world with five stop-overs.

Source Non-Mobile: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/...
Solar Impulse Non-Mobile: http://www.solarimpulse.com/

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Tags: Airplanes, Flying, Green, Products
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