Solar powered planes started to be tested several years ago and the results of those experiences have been used to design the new Swiss plane Solar Impulse.
Among the most relevant experimental planes:
- PATHFINDER was a solar-powered, remotely piloted flying wing aircraft used to demonstrate the use of solar power for long-duration, high-altitude flight. In 1998, Pathfinder was modified into the Pathfinder Plus aircraft.
- CENTURION had a 62 m wing span and was powered by 14 brushless DC electric motors. The Centurion first flew in 1998.
- HELIOS project was a part of NASA's ERAST programme (Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology). It was developed by NASA and Californian company AeroVironment Inc. ERAST programme develops pilotless solar powered airplane technology. More than 60,000 high efficiency (22.5% at AM 1.5) solar cells produced by SunPower Corporation were used as an energy source for HELIOS. The peak power of solar cell array was approximately 30 kW. The total costs for HELIOS solar cells reached around US$ 9 million (200 US$/W). HELIOS was equipped with 14 propeller motors, which were purposely designed for use in very thin air on high altitudes. HELIOS' wings (in fact, there’s only one wing) were longer than wings of a Boeing 747 or a Lockheed C-5 military transport plane.
Solar Impulse is intended to become the first solar plane to complete a World round trip in 2014 with 2 Pilots.
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