2 Solar Impulse, the solar energy plane has launched the longest stage of its convolution between Nanjing in China and Hawaii Illustration. (AFP)
For six days and six nights, the Swiss pilot André Borschberg will have to take sole command of this solar powered device thanks to its upholstered wing over 17,000 photovoltaic cells. Technological and historic feat: Solar Impulse 2 has never flown over an ocean or only stayed in the air more than 24 hours. Furthermore, if you happen to never a pilot in aviation history will remain only as long as the controls.
Nailed to the ground since April 21, the start of Nanking was repeatedly postponed due to inclement weather, including last Tuesday due cloud cover over Nanking and the Sea of Japan. Taking advantage of a favorable window, the aircraft took off at 2:40 local time (6:40 p.m. GMT Saturday) floodlit front of its wings before disappearing into the mist …
After a little more than twelve hours of flight, Solar Impulse 2 had traveled 1050 km over the 9000 this step in the long term. The unit flew over South Korea at an altitude of 29,000 feet at a speed of 25 knots (46 km / h). On board, according to the site following the live air, all was well. The batteries that take advantage of the sun’s rays were charged 99.5%.
“Fingers crossed. I hope to cross the Pacific. We have a good weather window for that crossing, “assured André Borschberg before getting into the cockpit.
Aged 62, André Borschberg has prepared for all eventualities. Every day, the pilot will have to face the Himalayan altitudes around 28,000 feet (8,400 meters) and 55 degree temperature variations in the unpressurized cabin seater Solar Impulse 2 by not sitting by range of 20 minutes each times. Furthermore, the cockpit is too small to stretch your legs.
VIDEO. Solar Impulse 2: extreme conditions for the drivers
In case of failure, the Swiss driver will parachute into the ocean. “I do not see this as risky, because we have worked long on various issues, he told. If we lose an engine, you can fly with the other three, for example. In the worst case, we have a parachute, a life raft and knows how to use. Obviously, we hope we will not have to do it. “
In total this convolution was originally scheduled to last five months, including 25 days of actual flight before returning to Abu Dhabi.
VIDEO. 2 Solar Impulse took off for its long Pacific crossing
VIDEO. Solar Impulse 2: “A message for the planet,” according to Bertrand Piccard
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