With a successful cross-country flight under its belt, a solar powered airplane is now attempting to fly around the world. The Solar Impulse has a dozen stops scheduled over the next few months, one here in the Valley.
The Swiss-designed Solar Impulse is no stranger to the Valley. The plane, with its two man crew, made a stop here almost two years ago, during its maiden cross-country voyage.
The newer design is built to handle lengthy flights, such as the two separate four-day flights to traverse the Pacific Ocean. The lightweight plane runs completely on solar power during the day, and on stored battery power at night or in overcast weather.
The Solar Impulse is scheduled to make its first domestic stop in Phoenix during the eighth leg of the international voyage in early May. It will be making the trip from Hawaii.
The journey started in Abu Dhabi on Monday morning. The pilots have completed the first leg of the flight, landing in Oman. It is currently en route to India.
