Innovation: Are solar powered planes future of aviation?

Touch down in Hong Kong, rubber meets tarmac, the wheels turn, lights flickering like fireflies against the dark of night, as the plane taxies, notice there are no fumes steaming from its engines, no pollution.

Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg are attempting to complete the first round the world flight with a solar powered plane. Like the Wright brothers before them they want to inspire change and innovation with new technology.

The Solar impulse is an innovative stride in changing perceptions about renewable energy. Just imagine the reduction of cost in air travel and maintenance if the prototype is successful.

Solar Impulse took 12 years of research with a team of about 90 people, including 30 engineers, 25 technicians and 22 mission controllers, supported financially and technologically by over a hundred partners and advisers.

The only worry is the effectiveness of photovoltaic cells for larger aircraft. Perhaps they are working on more efficient cells, because according to research, the sun produces enough energy in a day to power the earth for an entire year. But they have come this far and with more research, the future looks bright.

-Patrick Oke jnr

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