Solar Impulse Two takes to the skies in an attempt to make the first round-the-world solar-powered flight. Rough cut (no reporter narration).The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago, has a wingspan of 72 metres, larger than that of the Boeing 747.
Built into the wings are 17,248 ultra-efficient solar cells that transfer solar energy to four electrical motors that power the plane's propellers. The solar cells also recharge four lithium polymer batteries.Solar Impulse took off at 7.12am (03:12UTC) for its first flight from Abu Dhabi (Al Bateen Executive Airport, AZI/OMAD) in the United Arab Emirates, to Muscat (Muscat International Airport, MCT/OOMS) in the Sultanate of Oman. André Borschberg will fly the zero-fuel airplane on about 400km (215NM) for an estimated time of 12 hours. Masdar, Host Partner for the round-the-world, hosted Solar Impulse during the reassembly of Si2 and the final flight preparations. Masdar City is an example of the shared vision for the use of renewable energy and clean technologies.@solarimpulse
