Solar Impulse 2: Will Sky-Sailing Ever Go Commercial? Print


The experimental aircraft recently completed of round-the-world flight. It was propelled strictly by the sun’s power, with no need for fossil or other types of today's expensive and volatile fuel.

While solar-powered commercial aircraft are still decades into the future, consider the advantages when it happens. With no dependence on the price-manipulated oil industry, passenger fees should be considerably lower.

Aboard the quiet aircraft, the experience will feel like a sailing schooner in the sky, with the design of a luxury cruise ship. The interior will be roomy for strolling passengers and gatherings, rather than today’s required stuffing everyone into a tight seat during flight. 

On its around-the-world journey, Solar Impulse 2 flew at a speed of 35 mph, about 10 mph faster than the average cruise ship. As with ocean-going vessels, the aircraft will also be be affected by winds and weather. www.bbc.com/news/science-environment