Solar-powered flight around the world: First engine-tests of Solar Impulse successful

A prototype-aircraft called the Solar Impulse, being developed as apart of a Swiss project for solar-powered flight around the world, has successfully undergone its first engine run-up at an airbase near Zurich in Switzerland.

Photo: Solar Impulse aircraft tests its otors

For the first time, all the 4 solar-powered electric motors of the high-tech Solar Impulse, officially known as the HB-SIA, were switched on under open skies.

A little before noon, test pilot Markus Scherdel boarded the Solar Impulse and, at first, switched on the motors one at a time. After testing each motor individually, the engineers gave the pilot the go-ahead to run all the 4 engines at 400 rpm – the power that is needed to taxi around the runway.

Photo of Solar Impulse plane being wheeled out

However, during the test, the brakes were not released and so the Solar Impulse aircraft was not allowed to move.

The tests that would be conducted over the next many weeks would include initial taxi-tests around the airport. We have a few photos of the Solar Impulse solar-energy plane here for you.

Solar Impulse motor test photo

The first test – the motor-test – which was conducted on November 6, 2009, was the first time that the Solar Impulse has been fully assembled outside the hangar.

According to Andre Borschberg, co-founder and chief executive of Solar Impulse, the aircraft, with engines running at full power, “gave the impression of wanting to get off the ground straightaway.” It will not be long, he added, before “we release the brakes and let the plane roll its first few metres.”

Photo: Solar Impulse solar powered aircraft

The ultra-light, single-seater Solar Impulse, with a wingspan of an Airbus A380 Superjumbo airliner, is getting readied for its maiden flight within the next few weeks, weather conditions permitting.

In order to fly, Solar Impulse needs exceptionally clear weather conditions and less-than-light breeze (3 knots). It is expected to make what is called a few “airborne hops” down the runway at the Dubendorf Airbase, near Zurich, before December 20, 2009.

The slender aircraft has the weight of only a medium-sized car – that is, about 1,600 kilogrammes (3,527 pounds).

As regards weight and size, the Solar Impulse is lighter than the best-performing gliders, according to Andre Borschberg.

The Solar Impulse plane’s prototype – which is a little smaller than the plane that is set to fly around the world – was unveiled in June 2009, while it was still being built in its hangar.

Borschberg said the solar-fuelled Solar Impulse is predominantly aimed at testing the cutting-edge technology used to make and control the aircraft as well as fly by night.

As a first stage, a non-stop, 36-hour flight by night in Switzerland has been planned from the spring of 2010.

The final plan is for two pilots to fly a larger version of the HB-SIA around the world.

According to the technical team, though the aircraft is capable of flying around the world non-stop, the trip will be divided into many stages, taking into consideration pilot-fatigue limitations.

At night, batteries will power the solar-powered aircraft.