Solar plane that can fly day and night takes off
A solar-powered plane that can fly through the night has started its slow transcontinental journey.
Solar Impulse/AP
The first electric plane that can fly both day and night with only the power from the sun’s rays began its first transcontinental flight Friday. The Sunseeker Duo from Solar Flight is flying from San Francisco to its final destination in Washington, D.C.—it’s expected to touch-down there mid-June—stopping at Phoenix, Dallas, and St. Louis along the way.
The plane can theoretically fly continuously, but its pilots will only fly it at 12 hour spans. The Sunseeker has the wingspan of a 747 and a body the same size as a sedan. But although its creators hope to eventually sell it commercially, the plane has its limitations. It cruises at 43 miles per hour and has about a 10 horsepower engine, no larger than the Wright brothers' original vessel. It also can’t land in choppy conditions or fly through clouds.
You can follow the solar plane’s journey across the U.S. live at Yahoo! News. Click here.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.