A follow-up to the Albatross was the solar-powered Gossamer Penguin in 1980.
The Penguin was fragile and not very airworthy, but led to a better aircraft, the Solar Challenger.
Designed by Paul MacCready, the Solar Challenger had a wingspan of 14.3 meters (47 ft) and a mass of 90 kilograms (198 pounds).
Its wings were covered with 16,128 photovoltaic cells, with a total output power of 2,600 watts, about enough to drive a pair of hair dryers.
The Solar Challenger was capable of reaching an altitude of 12,000 feet (3,700 m).
On July 7, 1981 the aircraft, piloted by Steve Ptacek, under solar-power, accomplished the 262 kilometer (163 mile) flight from Paris to Manston in the UK.
The flight took off from Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airport near Paris and flew across the English Channel to RAF Manston near London, flying for 5 hours and 23 minutes.
Designed by Dr. Paul MacCready the Solar Challenger set an altitude record of 14,300 feet.
Source: Wikipedia
Back to Main Page
No comments:
Post a Comment