Solar-powered plane

[gotsnowgotslush]

The Solar Impulse, with a wingspan similar to that of a super-jumbo jet but weighing the same as a saloon car, took off from a Swiss airfield.

The plane's wings are covered by solar cells which power four electric motors.

Witnesses said both take-off and landing seemed to go smoothly.

The flight team have been conducting flea-hop tests since December, taking the plane no higher than 60cm (2ft) in altitude and 300m in distance.

Its designers hope a slightly larger production model will circumnavigate the globe in two years' time.

The big take-off is planned for 2012, when the two pilots will try a transatlantic flight before attempting to circumnavigate the globe.

Thank you BBC

 

[Songcatcher]

So, on cloudy days, the flights are cancelled?

 

[gotsnowgotslush]

*snerk* That was a good one. But, I am sure they have some kind of back up system in mind.

 

[Karen Kraft]

So, on cloudy days, the flights are cancelled?

No, then they offer trolling services.