Solar Impulse, a plane that is totally powered by electricity generated from solar cells flew 350 meters down the runway at an altitude of only one meter in a flight lasting 28 seconds. The event took place Switzerland today.President Bertrand Piccard, Solar Impulse founder said: “For over ten years now, I have dreamt of a solar aircraft capable of flying day and night without fuel” he said in a press release. “Today, our plane took off and was airborne for the very first time”.” It’s a long way between these initial tests and a circumnavigation of the world”. “There will first be longer flights and to higher altitudes.

The next step will be the first day-night-day flight, a 36 hour flight next summer”. The Solar Impulse team says they will also be connecting the solar panels at the new airfield. Flights starting in early 2010 and onwards will be using solar power and batteries as they increase the flight durations.

Solar Impulse

via Gizmodo