14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this year, the Solar Impulse team unveiled a brand new sun-powered plane expected to soon embark on and successfully complete a round-the-world flight.
Recent news on the topic say that, this June 2, the eco-friendly aircraft came one step closer to proving it has what it takes to circle the world using nothing but solar energy to power itself.
Thus, Daily Mail reports that, on said date, the sun-powered plane made its maiden flight in Switzerland. Specifically, it took off from a local airbase and remained in the air for about an hour.
“It is a great moment for everyone who has built this revolutionary solar airplane,” the Solar Impulse team commented on this achievement.
Furthermore, “All of this hard work to reach next year our ultimate goal: the attempt of the first round-the-world solar flight only powered by solar energy.”
As previously reported, the sun-powered aircraft has a wingspan of 72 meters (about 236 feet) and weighs an impressive 2,300 kilograms (roughly 5,070 pounds).
The 17,000 solar cells that are fitted onto its wings are the ones in charge of keeping it airborne, and the plane is also equipped with batteries that allow it to continue flying even after sunset.
Should things go according to plan, the aircraft is scheduled to embark on its round-the-world trip sometime in next year's March.