Solar-powered plane flies across America

The first manned solar-powered plane, Solar Impulse, has just finished its journey across the United States when it landed at John F Kennedy Airport, New York City at 10:11 (Hanoi time) on July 7 (night of July 6, US time).

Speaking immediately after landing, Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg said every moment of the flight was an experience and discovery.

The success of this flight is not only a matter of technology but it is also very meaningful in terms of the practical application of solar energy.

Solar Impulse has just completed its journey across America.

Before landing, Solar Impulse was forced to fly for several hours around the Atlantic Ocean because of the dense landing density at John F Kennedy Airport and the landing mechanism of this aircraft is more complicated than other conventional aircraft.

The solar-powered Solar Impulse aircraft has a wingspan equivalent to that of a Boeing 747, but weighs only as much as a small car.

A distinctive feature of this aircraft is its system of 12,000 solar panels that both provide power for the aircraft's engines and have the ability to refuel reserves, allowing the Solar Impulse to fly even at night.

With backup batteries, Solar Impulse can fly continuously for three days and three nights at speeds up to 70km/h.

However, due to its super long, super light design, controlling Solar Impulse is quite complicated.

In addition, the plane can only carry two people (both pilots), so the flight is divided into several legs, allowing the two pilots to take turns and have time to rest. The maximum flight time in one trip is 24 hours.

Solar Impulse stopped in Phoenix, Dallas and Washington before ending its journey in New York.

At each stop, Solar Impulse takes a 10-day "break" so experts can introduce solar energy technology.

The Solar Impulse project was initiated by two Swiss scientists, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, and began its flight on May 3 to raise awareness about the use of renewable energy and the application of available technologies for a more sustainable world.

The Solar Impulse aircraft has previously made several successful flights, including a 26-hour flight in 2010./.

According to (TTXVN) - VT