The first solar-powered plane took off

The world's first solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse made a test flight, according to the official website of the project.

Went the flight of a minimum height - Solar Impulse has lifted off from Earth for no more than a meter and flew about 350 meters. Project Engineer emphasize that the purpose of testing was not to lift the aircraft at high altitude, and check the characteristics of aircraft.

The real test of Solar Impulse will be held soon. Thus, in one of the test aircraft should fly nonstop 2 days and one night. Finally to a series of tests is to train staff to round the world flight, scheduled for 2012.

Project solar-powered aircraft developed by the Swiss balloonist Bertrand Piccard (Bertrand Piccard). On the wings of Solar Impulse, the scope of which is 60 meters, have 12 thousand solar panels, its weight is 400 pounds. What made them elektrich estva enough to power four motors of 10 horsepower to work even in the dark. Total weight of the structure is about 1.6 tons.