The Solar Impulse 2 team is waiting for favorable weather conditions before the solar-powered plane’s pilot Andre Borschberg can embark on the grueling five-day flight from Nanjing, China, to Hawaii. In addition to the technical challenges of flying the single-seater plane over a vast expanse of Pacific Ocean, Borschberg also will also face huge mental challenges.
The lightweight plane, a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago, is made of carbon fiber and has 17,248 solar cells built into the wing that supply the plane with renewable energy, via four motors. The solar cells recharge four lithium polymer batteries, which provide power for night flying.
Solar Impulse 2 is expected to fly between 30 mph and 60 mph.
-tk-