An experimental solar-powered airplane embarked on its first transcontinental flight on Thursday, The Associated Press reported. The Solar Impulse plane left Switzerland and, after a pilot change in Spain, should reach North Africa next week. The aircraft features a 207-foot wingspan and more than 12,000 solar panels. The project began in 2003 and is estimated to cost about $100 million over 10 years. The Swiss traveled to Belgium and France last year to complete the Solar Impulse’s first international flight. The mission to Africa is described as the final dress rehearsal before a round-the-world flight that will include stops in the United States using a newer and more improved model scheduled to be unveiled in 2014.
Solar-powered airplane embarks on first transcontinental flight
Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:26PM EST
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Dan joins the BGR team as the Android Editor, covering all things relating to Google’s premiere operating system. His work has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business and Yahoo News, among other publications. When he isn’t testing the latest devices or apps, he can be found enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.
