First flight of solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2

The solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2 made its first flight, taking off on Monday from the Payerne airfield in Switzerland. The new version of the device is much larger than the previous model. The 72-meter-long wing is covered with 17,248 solar cells, and the weight of the apparatus itself is 2.3 tons. According to Bertrand Piccard, who helped build the aircraft and piloted the previous model, the Solar Impulse 2 is completely unique. It does not need kerosene and can use solar energy day and night, while reaching a speed of 140 km/h. Thus, its testers sought to show the possibilities of alternative energy. In 2015, this aircraft is planned to make a round-the-world trip.

(Total 9 photos)

1. Solar Impulse 2 left the base for its first solar panel tests in Payern, April 14, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

2. German pilot Markus Scherdel prepares to take off on Solar Impulse 2 from the airfield of the Swiss town of Payern, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

3. A solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2 ("Solar Impulse - 2") took off from the airfield of the Swiss town of Payern, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

4. The first flight of Solar Impulse 2 in the Swiss city of Payern, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

5. One of the co-founders of the project - Andre Borshberg watches the flight of Solar Impulse 2, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

6. The first flight of Solar Impulse 2 in Switzerland, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

7. Solar Impulse 2 is landing at the same airfield on June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

8. Spectators watch the landing of Solar Impulse 2 at the airport in the Swiss city of Payern, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

Pilot Markus Scherdel, along with Swiss traveler Bertrand Piccard and project co-founder Andre Borschberg, pose for a photo after the successful flight of Solar Impulse 2 at the airfield in the Swiss city of Payerne, June 2, 2014. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters)