The Solar-Powered Aircraft 'Solar Impulse' Begins Its Journey Around the World

The solar-powered aircraft 'Solar Impulse 2' has started its journey around the world from Abu Dhabi airport. This is the first long-distance flight around the world using a solar-powered aircraft. According to a report on March 9, by the French news agency, in the first leg of this flight, a distance of 400 kilometers from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, the capital of Oman, is expected to be covered in 12 hours. The flight of the Solar Impulse aircraft, which was planned for March 7 after 13 years of research and testing by two Swiss pilots, André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, was delayed due to strong winds. Live and direct reports of the flight and the progress of the Solar Impulse aircraft can be followed on the group's website. André Borschberg, who reports the status via Twitter, wrote after takeoff: 'The challenges ahead for me and this aircraft are real.' The Solar Impulse journey around the world includes 12 stops and 25 days of flight, which is planned to take place over five months. The solar-powered aircraft will pass over the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean towards Myanmar, then China, Hawaii, and New York. The landing point at the end of the journey will be determined based on weather conditions in the central United States, southern Europe, or northern Africa. The longest route it will take is a non-stop flight lasting five days and covering 8,500 kilometers over the Pacific Ocean between the city of Nanjing in China and Hawaii. The two Swiss pilots will take turns flying the aircraft during this long journey. During their rest, eating, and sleeping, the aircraft will be flown automatically. Bertrand Piccard told reporters: 'We must consider the cockpit as our home; we go to the toilet, eat, drink, clean ourselves with wet wipes, and recline the seat for rest while turning on the autopilot.' The pilots have undergone long and intensive training and educational courses to adapt to these conditions. The pilots are in contact with the flight control center in Monaco, which includes 65 experts in meteorology, air traffic, and engineering. A team of 65 people also supports the two pilots along the flight path. Bertrand Piccard, the 57-year-old pilot, spoke about this scientific mission, saying: 'Our goal is to promote our vision of a pollution-free future.' He, who is the first person to complete a round-the-world trip in a hot air balloon, emphasized his view by stating: 'Pollution-free technologies and renewable energy can make the impossible possible.' This aircraft is equipped with over 17,000 solar cells installed on its wings. Solar Impulse 2 is the first solar-powered aircraft that can stay in the air for several days. Its speed ranges from 50 to 100 kilometers per hour, and at night, to avoid battery depletion, its speed will be lower.