Round-The-World Solar Flight
As well as chocolates, watches, and beautiful scenery, Switzerland is also a world power in research and innovation. Solar Impulse, the world first solar flight, is an excellent example.
Carrying no fuel, the new single-seater Solar Impulse 2 aircraft is designed to make its first round-the-world flight in 2015; it plans to land in China as one of its stopovers and is seeking various cooperation opportunities in China.
Looking for support and partners in China
“I hope to bring this project to China,” said André Borschberg, CEO, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse, at a press conference held in the Swiss Embassy in China on April 24, 2014.
André Borschberg, CEO, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse gives speech at a press conference held in the Swiss Embassy in China on April 24, 2014. (People’s Daily Online/ Wang Xin)
“China is so dynamic and so open, and is always looking for new opportunities for suitable development,” Dr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel, Ambassador of Switzerland in China remarked. “I find it natural that Solar Impulse 2 will interest the Chinese public.”.
André Borschberg explained the reasons why he plans to bring the project to China. His first aim is to see whether the Chinese government will be interested in the project. “The Chinese government has been very positive and very open to our requests so far,” Borschberg said, expressing his feelings about his contacts with Chinese government at this early stage.
His second aim is to look for Chinese sponsors and solicit good ideas from them. “We are looking for partners to share the same values and vision with us, in using clean and efficient energy.” he explained.
Thirdly, he is seeking cooperation or support in technology. His team is committed to fostering the younger generation, and he hopes Chinese students can be part of their team, see how the project is progressing, and help to work out how to make the flight a success.
Borschberg and his team have not yet confirmed where they will stop in China. Two factors will influence their decision. The first is weather conditions – because the aircraft is very sensitive to weather conditions, the current preference is for a location in southwest China such as Chongqing, or a coastal region like Shanghai. The second is the level of local interest in the project; the flight will target public events for the local government, and in schools and universities.
Today’s technology is tomorrow’s energy
Solar Impulse 1 was the first aircraft able to fly day and night without fuel or polluting emissions, and holds 8 world records. The second generation Solar Impulse 2 will go even further. This revolutionary aircraft, made of carbon fiber, has a 72 meter wingspan (larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I) for a weight of just 2,300 Kg, equivalent to that of a car.
Animation of Solar Impulse 2’s cabin (Photo provided to People’s Daily Online)
“This is a leading-edge project,” says Borschberg. “We are trying to turn the impossible into the possible. The innovation of flying with clean solar energy is a long-term goal. If we don’t start today, we will never be ready for tomorrow.”
Test flights are due to take place in May, and the first round-the-world solar-powered flight is scheduled to start in March 2015 from the Gulf area. To complete the round-the-world flight, Solar Impulse 2 will have to accomplish what no other aircraft has achieved before: flying without fuel with only one pilot for 5 consecutive days and nights, crossing oceans from one continent to another.
“The plane will have virtually unlimited autonomy, and now we need to make sure the pilot is as sustainable as his aircraft. This is why the round-the-world flight will be as much a human as a technological feat,” Borschberg added. “For the first solar plane, we could call it the economy seat, but for second plane, we are talking business class.”
Solar Impulse is also an airborne laboratory, making way for innovative technological solutions, geared to meeting today’s challenges head on. “Difficulties are everywhere in executing this project, but difficulties are also opportunities.” Borschberg believes that this is the kind of vision which drives everyone to become a pioneer on a day-to-day basis.
Major achievements of Solar Impulse
In July 2010 the Solar Impulse plane HB-SIA proved that it is possible to fly day and night without fuel, successfully conducting the first ever 26-hour flight.
In 2011, Solar Impulse flew to Brussels under the patronage of the European Union and was also invited as a special featured guest to the Paris- Le Bourget International Airshow.
In the summer of 2012, under the patronage of the King of Morocco His Majesty Mohammed VI, Solar Impulse crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Rabat and Ouarzazate.
Solar Impulse 2 executes its first test flight on April 14, 2014. (Photo provided to People’s Daily Online)
In 2012, in recognition of Solar Impulse’s contribution to Morocco’s renewable energy development, the project’s Co-founders Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg were bestowed with one of the country’s highest distinctions, “Oussam Alaouite Haut Grade Officier”.
In the spring of 2013, Solar Impulse flew Across America in six legs. This was the first time that a solar airplane capable of flying day and night has flown across America.
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Achieve the Impossible