Solar Impulse-2 : toughest phase is about to commenceby | 30-05-2015 19:01 |
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![]() This is my further report on the progress of the unique experiment named ?Solar Impulse-2? which is nothing but the 1st airplane flying without any conventional fuel back up (totally on solar energy)? Those who are not fully aware of this green experiment progressing around us, let me tell you few info: Solar Impulse 2's circumnavigation of the Earth was started in March 2015. The aircraft was delivered to Masdar in Abu Dhabi for the World Future Energy Summit in late January 2015, ]and it began the circumnavigation on 9 March 2015. It is scheduled to return to the same location in August 2015 after 12 legs of the entire flight (A delay is anticipated as on date). A mission control centre for the circumnavigation was established in Monaco, utilizing satellite links to gather real-time flight telemetry and remain in constant contact with the aircraft. The aircraft is currently circling the world in the northern hemisphere. Today evening (UST) will be the first attempt to cross the Pacific ocean, from Nanjing to Hawaii, (which is regarded as the toughest part of the entire trip) using ONLY solar power. André Borschberg will fly the zero-fuel airplane on about 8172km (4412NM) for an estimated time of 5 days and nights. This flight across the Pacific is a feat of endurance for the pilot, and for the support teams that constantly monitor. Day and night flight for 5 days without any rest and monitoring continuously the status of solar energy status will be big human challenges as under: 1) LIVING UP IN THE SKY, FOR DAYS For the trip?s ?long haul flights? the pilot will be living in the 3.8 m3 cockpit for 5 or 6 days and nights in a row. The cockpit volume provides enough space on board for oxygen supplies, food and survival equipment, whilst also meeting the optimal ergonomic requirements for flights lasting several days. 2) MULTI-PURPOSE SEAT A multi-purpose seat functions both as reclining berth and toilet.A parachute and a life-raft are packed into the seat-back. When fully reclined, it allows the pilot to perform physical exercises. It allows more legroom, has an ergonomic inflatable cushion, and has been developed for minimum weight. 3) EXTREME TEMPERATURES In the absence of any heating, the cockpit and the pilot will be facing extreme temperatures: from +40? à -40?! By attempting the first Round the World Solar Flight, they want to demonstrate that clean technologies and renewable energies can achieve the impossible. For the Solar Impulse team, pioneering spirit and innovation can change the world. Wishing the entire team towards the success of this phase of the flight which is about to commence in few hours?interested people can track every movement of the journey through the very interactive website : http://www.solarimpulse.com/ |