Solar Impulse’s Mission Across America started in San Francisco on May 3, and made stops in Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, St. Louis (the plane inflatable hangar was used for the first time), Cincinnati and Washington D.C. It took 105 hours and 41 minutes in the air while the trip was of 3,511 miles (5530-km) at an average speed of 33.14 mph.
The trip ended at John F Kennedy International Airport NY on July 6 at 11:09pm local time. The pilot for the final part of the journey was Borschberg who alternated with Piccard throughout the voyage.
In this way the first solar powered airplane completed its first cross-country flight, started from Washington D.C. to NY, it left wing suffered an 8-foot (2.5-m) rip in the wing fabric on the lower wing surface. The whole trip was inspected by helicopter enabling the inspector to conclude at the end “the trip stable and would not prevent the mission from proceeding”.
The flight ended at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport NY on July 6 at 11:09 pm local time. The pilot for this final leg of the voyage was Borschberg, who had alternated with Piccard throughout the journey.
The Solar Impulse is planning to test the next-generation of solar-powered aircraft after gathering their joint efforts. The HB-SIB will be larger and heavier, having a pressurized cockpit enabling the solar powered airplane to fly at altitude up to 39,000 feet (12KM. Advanced avionics will enable the HB-SIB to safely navigate the airways on transcontinental and transoceanic flights. For your kind info HB-SIB test flights will begin in 2014.
