A Swiss solar-powered plane took off early this morning from Nanjing Lukou Airport in China, bound for Hawaii, US, in what will be the exploration leg of the Round-the-World Solar Flight.

Considered to be the longest leg of Solar Impulse 2’s around the world journey, the flight will cover approximately 8,172 km over six days and five nights (around 130 hours), enduring difficult weather conditions along the way.

If successful, this will be a historic milestone in aviation, the longest flight for a single pilot airplane in duration, ever flown with any type of airplane.

Moreover, this leg of the journey will test swiss pilot André Borschberg’s physical and mental capacity as he makes his way to the next checkpoint.
 
During this highly challenging leg to Hawaii, Borschberg will draw on co-founder Bertrand Piccard’s experience as an explorer acquired during his long duration world record balloon flights whereby he crossed the world’s oceans and circumnavigated the globe.
 
"This is the moment of truth. If successful, this flight to Hawaii will demonstrate the credibility of the vision Bertrand had 16 years ago of an airplane flying for days without fuel to change our mindset regarding the enormous potential of clean technologies and renewable energies" said Borschberg.
 
“This is the exploration leg of the flight around the world. It will be an important milestone for aviation with an airplane capable for the first time ever to fly with unlimited endurance. This represents an extraordinary illustration of technological innovation which André initiated and led during the last 12 years,” Piccard said.
 
Solar Impulse 2’s attempt at this aviation first is the result of the alliance and close partnership between two visionary pioneers who dreamed of a project that would showcase the potential of a clean energy future – an airplane capable of flying day and night with unlimited endurance considered unattainable by industry experts.
 
The latest, up-to-date flight data is broadcasted live via www.solarimpulse.com. On-board camera footage and telemetry will be shared by the MCC so that all those watching and supporting Solar Impulse 2 can experience the adventure with Borschberg in the airplane and Piccard in the Mission Control Centre in Monaco in real time. – TradeArabia News Service