Solar Powered Jets, The Ultimate Green Journey!
While it is uncertain why it has never been attempted before, it has been announced that Swiss researchers are very close to actually launching the first proto-type solar powered jet plane. Even though a commercially viable plane is still someway off, this is the culmination of two years of testing, computer mock ups and research. Named Solar Impulse, the project is sponsored by a Swiss Research company, but involves input from at least 6 countries from around the world. If viable it may mark a major shift in the industry, but will it work?
Research has shown that the idea is most defiantly viable and practical although the first manned flight, planned in 2009, should clarify years of hard work for all of those involved., The proto-type will have a reduced 61m wing span and weigh only 2 tonnes, against 580 tonnes for a traditional commercial airliner – a vast difference! Not only will this reduce the manufacturing time but if it works as planned, there will be a massive increase in fuel efficiency – something which is fundamental to the success of the industry.
The project has cost just $101 million to finance, which in terms of today expensive research projects is relatively small – even more insignificant when you consider the possible savings. While the night flight in 2009 will have only one passenger on board – the pilot – it will be a lengthy 36 hour flight to fully test the technology and the ideas behind it. The main problem seems to have been storing enough solar power in the plane’s batteries for use in night flights, although the researchers do seem to have fund a way around this.
It will be interesting to see if the project goes to plan, bearing in mind the recent reputation of the industry, and whether it can actually deliver the savings and efficiency which the researchers have promised. If successful, this will only be the start of a whole new industry!