The Change Mariner

Record Solar Power Flight Attempt Unveiled

SolarAccess.com:
A team of aviators and scientists led by Dr. Bertrand Piccard, the first man together with Brian Jones to circle the earth non-stop in a balloon in 1999, announced plans to develop an aircraft powered by the sun and capable of circling the earth.

The Piccard team envisions being able to spend full nights in the air by 2007. Piccard will be assisted by Jones, his co-pilot in their Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, and Andre Borschberg, engineer and jet plane pilot. Their new project, dubbed Solar Impulse, is aimed at demonstrating the role of high technology in sustainable development.

The EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne/Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) is the official scientific advisor to the project. The EPFL conducted thermodynamic research in support of the Piccard/Jones 1999 balloon flight, and is the official scientific advisor to Alinghi, current holder of yacht racing's prestigious America's Cup.

Drawing attention to the need for further sustainable development is one of the project's key goals.

"To be able to build and fly an aircraft that uses no fossil fuels and emits no pollutants is a powerful symbol for today's ecology," Piccard said. "We envision that Solar Impulse will serve as a communication platform to promote sustainable development and demonstrate the fundamental role of high technology in the protection of the environment."