Solar-powered plane takes off on historic round-the-world trip

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The Solar Impulse 2 took off from Abu Dhabi just after dawn Monday morning, beginning its journey around the world in a historic attempt to circumnavigate the globe without using fossil fuel.

See also: First solar round-the-world flight will take 5 months, stop in 12 cities

The aircraft will fly for 25 days over a five month period as it completes the 35,000-kilometer (21,700-mile) journey. For much of the flight it will aim for an optimal speed of 45 kph (28 mph) and an altitude of 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) during the day and 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) at night.

The Solar Impulse 2 is a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago. It has a wingspan of 236 feet (72 meters), which is 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. Read more...

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