Solar Impulse To Depart Chongqing For Nanjing, China (Video)

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Originally published on 1Sun4All.

Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) is anticipated to take off for its sixth flight of twelve, traveling from Chongqing (Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, CKG/ZUCK), in the People’s Republic of China, to Nanjing (Nanjing Lukou International Airport, NKG/ZSNJ), also in the People’s Republic of China, at 21.45 UTC!

Solar Impulse says Chongqing was initially meant to be a pit stop on the route towards Nanjing. However, due to low battery level upon arrival and bad meteorological conditions in the region, the team ended up waiting a little over two weeks for the next favorable window.

Swiss pilot, Bertrand Piccard, initiator and chairman of Solar Impulse, will fly the zero-fuel airplane on about 1190km (642NM, 739 miles) for an estimated time of 17 hours.

Si2 will ascend to 26’000 feet, according to the flight plan. Mr. Geng, the Si2 aviation specialist for China, will be supporting the team, as the flight conditions over the region are quite different to other standards.

It was originally planned for André Borschberg to pilot the solar-powered airplane; however, Bertrand Piccard will be replacing André Borschberg at the controls of Si2 for the sixth and last leg before crossing the Pacific. This is due to André Borschberg not feeling well and returning to Switzerland.

Solar Impulse

Bertrand Piccard said on Twitter: “André Borschberg went back to Switzerland to make sure he is fully operational for our big challenge: the Pacific.”

André Borschberg, also co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse, added on Twitter: “As it forced me to go back to Switzerland for a few days, my body made me do what I could not do myself: take a break.”

We here at CleanTechnica send our best wishes and prayers for André Borschberg to be well and complete the Round The World attempt. Godspeed, friend.

During the coming months, it is planned that Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg will cross the Pacific Ocean and stop in the USA as well as Northern Africa or Southern Europe before returning to Abu Dhabi to complete the first solar-powered circumnavigation of the world.

Solar Impulse

Continuing their journey, the two pilots will travel 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) around the globe accumulating 500 flight hours over 5 months to spread the message that clean technologies can be achieved through a pioneering spirit.

Solar Impulse

Join the Movement: FutureIsClean.org #FutureIsClean. By signing your name to this effort, your voice will be heard in Paris at the UN Climate Change Conference that will take place in November and December of 2015.

Video Credit: SOLAR IMPULSE Photo and Image Credits: Solar Impulse | Cartoon Credit: Martin Saive via Solar Impulse


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Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel