Researchers continue tests on solar airplane
June 18, 2010, 09:02 pm
In the coming years, pilots are likely to find themselves using aviation technologies that many would not have imagined just a decade or two ago.
One of the most high-profile examples of the future of aviation technology may be the Solar Impulse plane, a solar-powered aircraft developed by Swiss researchers.
According to the Solar Impulse website, the plane has a 63-meter wingspan that in theory can stay aloft as long as 36 hours. The top of the plane's wings are largely covered with photovoltaic solar panels. Earlier in the spring, the plane made a successful maiden flight for nearly 90 minutes at an altitude of about 3,500 feet.
Now, an Associated Press report says the research team behind the Solar Impulse now hopes to make a nighttime test flight as it prepares to try to fly the plane around the world in 2012.
Another important part of the clean energy front for the aviation industry is the ongoing effort by researchers and airlines to develop viable new biofuels that can help reduce emissions while guaranteeing more consistent fuel prices.
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