Recently successfully completed the circumnavigation Solar Impulse 2, a solar-powered aircraft has demonstrated the potential of renewable energy sources. However, on the achieved results are not going to stop anyone, on the contrary, lessons learned only push specialists bring to perfection technology for the production and use of energy Helio. Swiss pilot Raphel Domjan wants to create a commercial version of the electro airplane SolarStratos on solar panels, which will be able to make flights in the stratosphere at an altitude of 24 km above sea level, with the pilot and two passengers on board. Moreover, the cost of extraordinary journey “to the stars” should not exceed the use of balloons. But achieving this goal is planned for 2021, but in the meantime, given the financing and developments, created a working prototype of 8.5 meters in length, running from the 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 32 kW electric motor. Charging is carried out thanks to the photovoltaic modules, which are covered by the wings of the aircraft, area of ??22 square meters. The aircraft weighs 450 kg, has a length of 8.5 m and a wingspan of 24.9 meters. SolarStratos Demonstration will be held this year on December 7th.
The first test flight will on the double SolarStratos, built by PC-Aero. He must pass at the end of this year. In 2017 it is planned to rise above the level of 9420 meters. This is another Solar Impulse 2. And in 2018 will be held flight to the planned height.
The commercial version of the solar airplane SolarStratos I will have to make a continuous 24-hour journey.
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