Swiss roll out pioneering solar-powered plane!

[The Dean of Green]

Switzerland will be the first country to create a solar-powered plane capable of flying around the world.

By Agence France-Presse Thu, Nov 05 2009 at 7:00 PM EST

Solar Impulse, the Swiss bid to make the first solar-powered flight around the world, rolled out its prototype on Friday at an airbase near Zurich.

The ultralight high-tech single seater with the wingspan of an Airbus A380 airliner was pushed out of its hangar ready for tests and a maiden flight over the coming weeks when weather conditions allow.

Solar Impulse staff said the slender craft, which only weighs as much as a medium-sized car (1,600 kilogrammes, 3,527 pounds), needs particularly clear conditions and less than a light breeze (three knots) for its first excursion in the air.

It is due to make a few airborne hops down the runway at the Dubendorf airbase before Dec. 20.

Joint founder and chief executive Andre Borschberg said the aircraft was venturing into new flying territory.

"Compared to its weight and size, it is lighter than the best performing gliders," he explained.

The prototype, which is slightly smaller than the craft that is expected to fly around the world, was first unveiled while it was being built in its hangar in June.

It is primarily aimed at testing the cutting edge technology used to build and control the aircraft, and to fly through the night.

A first non-stop 36 hour flight is expected in Switzerland from spring 2010, with the prospect of a five stage flight around the world in 2012.