Developers hoping to fly a solar-powered plane non-stop around the world next year have successfully completed the first test flight of their new design.

 

Following 12 years of calculations, simulations, construction, and testing, the single-seater Solar Impulse 2 yesterday circled Payerne aerodrome in Switzerland for two hours and 17 minutes, reaching an altitude of 1,670 meters (5,500 feet) and speeds of 55.6 kilometres per hour. This first flight is set to be followed by further trials in the next few months to ready the plane for next year's record attempt, but marked a key moment in the countdown to takeoff in March 2015.

 

Solar Impulse 2 (Si2), first unveiled in April, is based on the original Solar Impulse, which broke eight world records journeying across Europe and into Africa, flying throughout the day and night before last year completing a groundbreaking flight across the US.

 

The Si2's 72 meter wingspan – eight meters longer than its predecessor – is coated in 17,000 solar cells that supply its four electric motors. During the day, the solar cells recharge lithium batteries weighing 633 kilograms, allowing the aircraft to fly at night.

 

During next year's circumnavigation attempt, the pilot will have to stay in the 3.8 cubic meter cockpit, which is neither pressurized nor heated, for five days or more.

 

Takeoff is scheduled for March 2015 in the Gulf region, with the plane crossing over the Arabian Sea towards India and China before traversing the Pacific, the US, the Atlantic and Southern Europe before landing again. Landings will be made every few days to change pilots and organize public events for governments, schools and universities.