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Solar Aircraft's Night Flight
The Solar Impulse 2, powered only by the sun, has taken off for its six-day and six night trip around the globe.
18:33 08 June 2015
The solar plane, Solar Impulse 2, has taken off yesterday morning from eastern China for its six-day, six-night flight over the Pacific Ocean, in its quest to travel the globe using only solar power and a bold attempt to promote green energy. The plane’s maximum speed is 87 mph.
Swiss Pilot Andre Borschberg, 62, aims to set the record for a 5,270-mile flight the longest by a single pilot.
“I cross my fingers and I hope to cross the Pacific,” he said.
“I’m really confident we should be able to get through and find the right way.”
Borschberg has previously said. “In the worst case we have a parachute, we have a life raft and we know how to use it.
"Of course, hoping that we will not need to do that.”
The Solar Impulse 2 has 17,000 solar cells built into its wings. Before the Pacific Flight, the plane was made lighter by having it two side wheels and internal brakes from propellers removed.