Footprint

99 years after the first crossing of the Alps in an aeroplane by Geo Chávez in a Blériot XI, Eric Raymond has made the same journey in his Sunseeker II; the only manned solar-powered plane in the world.

The five hour flight presented some challenging weather conditions but ‘after fighting to gain altitude I got over the clouds and cruised on direct solar power, eventually climbing to 13,700 ft’ said Raymond.

Since his first flight across the United States in 1990, Raymond has carried out extensive modifications and refinements to Sunseeker. The changes have led to an almost entirely new aeroplane, complete with new wings with more surface area for solar cell coverage, a motor, propeller, tail, electronics and lithium polymer batteries.

Raymond also has other solar-powered flight projects in development, including Sunship - a solar powered airship in which he plans to circumnavigate the globe.

Filed under: Green technology