Solar Impulse’s HB-SIA to attempt night flight
The Solar Impulse team’s solar-powered research aircraft HB-SIA is ready to fly at night for the first time, using energy stored in batteries. The single-seat aircraft, which weighs approximately 1,600kg (3,500lb) but has a wingspan of 63.4m (208ft), has completed eight test flights since its first flight on April 7. The objective is to collect enough solar energy during the day to keep the aircraft flying throughout a full 24-hour cycle. “The big question will be whether the pilot will be able to save sufficient energy to fly right through the night. These night flights in an aircraft propelled uniquely by solar energy are intended to demonstrate the potential of the renewable energies and the technologies that will gradually enable us to diminish our dependence on oil,” said Bertrand Piccard, initiator and chairman of Solar Impulse.
