Solar Impulse is a European long-range solar-powered plane project currently being undertaken at the EPFL.
The project is promoted by Bertrand Piccard, who piloted the first balloon to circle the world non-stop.
This project hopes to repeat that feat using only solar power.
The first aircraft (official name HB-SIA) is a one-seater, capable of taking off under its own power,
and intended to remain airborne for 36 hours.
Building on the experience of this prototype, a slightly larger follow-on design (HB-SIB) is planned to make
circumnavigation possible. Circumnavigation of the globe is anticipated to take 20-25 days.

Technical Data

• Wingspan 63m
• Weight 1,600 kg,
• Take-off speed 35 km/h
• Average flying speed: 70 km/h
• Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines
• Battery specific capacity: 220Wh/kg
• Solar cells: 11,628 (total area 200m?)
• Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft)

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