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The aircraft
HB-SIA takes shape
In a hangars that once housed fighters of the Swiss aerial reconnaissance squadron at the Dübendorf (Zurich) airfield, the first Solar Impulse prototype is beginning to look like an aircraft.
Parts have been arriving in large numbers since early summer. Small or large, each plays a vital role and is of fundamental importance. Tail or engines, wing panel or horizontal stabiliser, all have in common that they have been manufactured at least once. These elements are the fruit of years of research, calculations, simulations, and real scale tests, leading to products that are both the lightest and the most resistant possible. In their final form they are all "ready to fly" once validated. "At this stage of realisation we have no more doubts about the technologies and the construction techniques", comments Solar Impulse CEO André Borschberg.
Manufactured by the ETEL company, the four motors (plus two in reserve) have been assembled and tested. Special attention has been paid to their cooling system to make sure that they will still continue to function properly in the thermal zones foreseen. In comparison with the initial prototypes, they have improved in both weight and efficiency. One of the gondolas in which they will be podded has been assembled around its chassis. The lithium batteries and the cabling have been tested. Mounted on a vehicle, this gondola with its engine and propeller have undergone trial runs at flight speed.
The final-form tail and cockpit have been assembled and have undergone major load testing: one 900kg block of lead at cockpit level and three 300kg blocks, one for each axis, at the aircraft’s tail. As employees all held their breath, you could have heard a pin drop as loading was done successively, first 20%, then 50, 70 and finally 100%. There was great satisfaction - and relief - when the structure passed the final test. And when the fuselage passed its final validation test, giving the green light needed to continue the programme, there was a huge round of applause.
During last May's simulated flight, the pilots noticed that the flight controls were no way as stiff as they would be when actually flying. As a result they have been re-sized on the simulator, their effectiveness tested and the strength needed to move them re-evaluated. To avoid any superfluous power requirement, the controls will be direct and unassisted. "The pilots will need brawny arms and muscles of steel to work them", joked Bertrand Piccard.
André Borschberg went one step further: "We already know that the aircraft will be difficult to pilot. It will need a great amount of attention to get it to fly, taking care to avoid any departure from the neutral horizontal position." Two special devices will be assisting the pilot in this tricky task:
the Omega instrument, a flight control instrument supplementing the artificial horizon giving the pilot a more precise indication of the aircraft’s bank angle and flight vector,
the man-machine interface, capable of transmitting vibrations to the pilot to warn him aware of potentially dangerous situations.
The next stage will involve the main wing with its 61m span. Made up of three 20m “box” beams, it is due for delivery in November. Following assembly, it too will undergo vibration tests in explore the aircraft’s aero-elasticity. At the same time, the wing’s subsystems, like the landing gear and the flight controls (flaps, spoilers, elevators, transmission rods and bars) will be put together and similarly subjected to final evaluation. Once tested, these elements will be integrated one by one. HB-SIA, our first prototype, will slowly take the shape we have planned for it.
(http://www.solarimpulse.com/multimedia/images/img_structures/footer.gif)
Received today on my Email, for more info: ::thinking::
in english http://www.solarimpulse.com/en/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113 (http://www.solarimpulse.com/en/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113)
en francais http://www.solarimpulse.com/fr/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113 (http://www.solarimpulse.com/fr/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113)
en español http://www.solarimpulse.com/es/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113 (http://www.solarimpulse.com/es/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113)
auf deutsch http://www.solarimpulse.com/de/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113 (http://www.solarimpulse.com/de/logbook/index.php?idIndex=113)
|:)\ donYan ::wave::
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Wouldn't ya know it... There's a PC12 sitting in the background of the first pic! Hehe.
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Pc12's are starting to breed we must stop them lol
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Pc12's are starting to breed we must stop them lol
|:)\ No, no: they are not breeding! ::banghead:: Switzerland is HOME of Pilatus... ::bow:: ::wave::
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Today I share with you my inbox, wishing success, ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking:: & stripers to SolarImpulse team |:)\
SOLAR IMPULSE – SUPPORTERS PROGRAM – INFORMATION NR 7 – APRIL 6, 2010
As supporters and friends of the Solar Impulse project, we always give priority to keeping you informed.
Tomorrow, April 7, 2010, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA will take off for the first time. Following the ground tests conducted over the last few days and with the weather forecast good, test pilot Markus Scherdel will be at the prototype’s controls to take the plane up for its first flight, circling the airfield at Payerne.
The objective of tomorrow’s mission is to verify that the plane’s flight behaviour is in line with the calculations and simulations done using the flight simulator. With such a large and light plane never having flown before, the aircraft’s flight behaviour remains unexplored.
Early morning, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA will be towed out of its hangar and taken to its runway. Flight duration will depend on everything working as it should, but is expected to last around one hour thirty minutes. Flight altitude will be 1500 meters maximum.
You will find all information and pictures on this test flight on our website www.solarimpulse.com (http://www.solarimpulse.com/)
This information on the next test flight is top priority news. We are pleased to pass it on to you first of all.
::wave::
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courtesy of engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/captain-piccards-solar-impulse-completes-first-full-test-flight/)
|:)\ (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/04/8apr10solar92h34522.jpg) |:)\
Captain Piccard's solarIMPULSE completes first full test flight
By Vladislav Savov - posted: Apr 8th 2010, 7:51AM
We've tracked this solar-powered tub from its announcement last year, through its first runway tests, past the little hop that counted as its first flight, and now we've arrived at the HB-SIA's first legitimate test flight. The Solar Impulse, brainchild of one Bertrand Piccard, took the upward plunge into the skies yesterday, successfully rising to 5,500 feet and a speed of 30 knots before gliding down gently and calling the whole thing an unqualified success. You can find videos of the event HERE:
First Flight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CwIdIJm5o0) & Save landing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZm4ZVVXt_U)
A nighttime test flight is planned for later this year, after which a bulkier production model will be cobbled together with the intent of reaching the final goal of circumnavigating the globe by 2012. (before the Mayan catastrophe, hoppefully ::rofl:: ::rofl:: ::rofl:: )
courtesy of ANN (http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=634b453e-d800-4bc9-bb36-9e7a996aafb5#d):
Solar Impulse Makes First Test Flight
Thu, 08 Apr '10
|:)\ Swiss Group Hopes To Circumnavigate On Power From The Sun |:)\
The Solar Impulse, an aircraft being developed by a Swiss group for an attempted flight around the world only on solar power, completed its first test flight Wednesday at a military air base in Western Switzerland.
(http://www.aero-news.net/images/content/general/2009/Solar-Impulse-0609a.jpg)
The airplane, powered solely by four 10 horsepower electric motors, climbed to an altitude of about 3,600 feet before returning to land at after a flight of 87 minutes.
The plane that flew Wednesday was a prototype. The Associated Press reports that project co-founder Andre Borschgerg said that additional tests would be conducted to refine the airplane for the round-the-world attempt, and that construction on that airplane would begin next year.
“This summer, we want to show that we can fly night and day. This will happen in Payerne. Hopefully in May, June or July,” he added.
(http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://www.lfpress.com/news/world/2010/04/07/solarplane640.jpg&size=640x480&quality=90)
The aircraft's wings are covered with about 12 thousand solar cells to provide power to its batteries, which weigh almost 900 pounds. The five-stage circumnavigation attempt is planned in 2013.
::thinking:: (ME)- I believe the inconsistencies on altitude attained, may be that one (5,500 ft) is above sea level & the other (3,600 ft) is above ground level: when skydiving, we ALLWAYS adjust altimeter at Jump Zone's ground level, BEFORE take off. Since it was a test flight, the pilot wanted to have the landing strip as ZERO altitude for shure ::thinking:: ¡I would ::sweat:: !
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When I read Captain Picard I instantly thought of Patrick Stewart's role in Star Trek The Next Generation, and it's quite fitting since there his family is said in the series to have always been on the forefront of new exploration and flying a purely solar-powered aircraft around the world is definately in that catagory in my book.
Not a bad looking bird either, I hope they make it since it'll be a great achievement in many areas and can probably also help develop more efficient technology for the future.
Frank
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When I read Captain Picard I instantly thought of Patrick Stewart's role in Star Trek The Next Generation, and it's quite fitting since there his family is said in the series to have always been on the forefront of new exploration and flying a purely solar-powered aircraft around the world is definately in that catagory in my book.
Not a bad looking bird either, I hope they make it since it'll be a great achievement in many areas and can probably also help develop more efficient technology for the future.
Frank
::wave:: hello Frank, how is the family?
Captain Piccard first name in Star Trek, is Jean Loup wich happens to be my nickname in all my nonvirtual life, since I was born. My vessel is my mechanics shop on wheels, named la Perica (spanish for Parrot=green colors, & for Monkeywrench=mexican symbol on road assistance) here working at Armonía, assiting the family Tracker:
(http://images.donyanlu.multiply.com/image/pt3PP30v-FAlL-A7M++6aQ/photos/1M/1200x1200/1317/la-Perica-a-la-puesta-de-Sol.jpg?et=dyxQ4vxNRhE4mrHEDfHQnA&nmid=0)
When I go to have a few ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking:: at The Dinosaur Watering Hole in Tepoztlán's market place, I give rides home to all my fellow Dinosaurs. Unlocking la Perica doors, I greet them with:
|:)\ "I am Captain Jean Loup Piccard; welcome aboard my vessel"
(http://cjaronu.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/tepoztlan.jpg?w=319&h=402)(http://www.underthevolcano.org/bibliotecas/fotos/heavenlypanorama.jpg)
Tepoztlán: a twisty street & panorama
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Pc12's are starting to breed we must stop them lol
I'll happily start an orphanage for unwanted PC12s.
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|:)\ "I am Captain Jean Loup Piccard; welcome aboard my vessel"
Jean-Luc Picard
Remember I live with my parents still, and go to nerd conventions.
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Jean-Luc Picard ::banghead::
Remember I live with my parents still, and go to nerd conventions.
::rofl:: ::rofl:: ::rofl:: not aboarding MY vessel... ::wave::
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Family is doing ok thanks for asking, hope things are going well with you and your family as well :)
Gil: Don't be ashamed of being a nerd, remember, a nerd is a super-expert (albiet only in one field) :D Remember the movie-series: Revenge of the Nerds? 8)
Frank
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Gil: Don't be ashamed of being a nerd, remember, a nerd is a super-expert (albiet only in one field) :D )
Frank
I thought that was a 'Geek' as in 'the Big Bang' series... ::banghead::
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A Geek lives in the Attic (Like I'm doing just now) while a Nerd lives in the basement.
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Oops, I haven't used the terms geek and nerd in a while so I guess I must've remembered incorrectly which is which, sorry about that.
On another note then I don't hope the ash-cloud from Iceland will have an impact on the testing of the SolarImpulse, that would be a shame.
Frank
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I received this in my inbox; (after seeing BP's Gulf of México disaster on satellite TV, expect the unexpected (http://seekingalpha.com/article/202769-bps-gulf-of-mexico-disaster-expect-the-unexpected): an Exxon Valdez every four days!)
|:)\ Bertrand Piccard & André Borschberg latest news - 3rd Flight |:)\
"As supporters and friends of the Solar Impulse project, we always give priority to keeping you informed."
"The 3rd test flight of the Solar Impulse HB-SIA is due to take place tomorrow, on Saturday, May 8, 2010, early in the morning, at the Payerne airbase (Switzerland). Weather forecasts are currently favourable. The take-off is foreseen at around 07.15 (local time) for a flight lasting three hours, mostly above the Lake of Neuchatel."
"This will be the first time the prototype will be flying with its permanent foam encased cockpit. For the first two flights, the HB-SIA flew with a "crash cage" as a protection for the pilot in the case of any accident."
"Note: the direction of Flight Test Operations of Solar Impulse should decide to fly or not the HB-SIA with the highest flexibility, according to technical such as weather criteria. We strive to keep you informed as completely and as quickly as possible. As in any experimental project, it is not impossible that the initial announcement of a flight could be reversed thereafter. Before moving to Payerne, thank you for checking your e-mail box and our website."
"The overall aim of the upcoming test flight program is to find out the HB-SIA’s flight characteristics. In line with the mission centre’s instructions, test pilot Markus Scherdel is going to successively test several flight phases, at different altitudes and different speeds, enabling the engineers to gain a detailed insight into the prototype’s performance. This will then be used to define the design goals of our second aircraft."
"In the future, we will be announcing to you each new test flight - a privilege accorded to Solar Impulse supporters. If you want to share this information with acquaintances and friends, just ask them to register on the Supporters Program's website (www.solarimpulse.com/supporters_program (http://www.solarimpulse.com/supporters_program/)). You will find all information and pictures from our next flights missions on our website www.solarimpulse.com (http://www.solarimpulse.com/)"
"This information on the next test flight is top priority news. We are pleased to pass it on to you first of all."
Bertrand Piccard & André Borschberg
|:)\ |:)\ |:)\ Blue skyes and favorable winds! |:)\ |:)\ |:)\
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::type:: SOLAR IMPULSE – SUPPORTERS PROGRAM – INFORMATION NR 21 – JUNE 30, 2010 ::type::
The weather forecast of a few days ago has been confirmed. The Solar Impulse HB-SIA will be attempting its first night flight in under 24 hours’ time. |:)\ |:)\ |:)\
At around 06.00h (GMT + 2) in the morning, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA will be towed onto the runway where the final preparations will be made. The prototype should take off at around 08.00 (GMT + 2). It will then climb, during the whole day, to 8,500 metres. During this climb, the airplane will store as much energy as possible in its batteries. Once the sun’s rays are less intense, the HB-SIA will commence a descent to 1,500 metres. It will then fly, with the energy stored in its batteries, until the next sunrise. The big question will be whether the pilot will be able to save enough energy to be able to stay airborne through the entire night. ::thinking::
FOLLOW THE FLIGHTS ON INTERNET! ::bow::
Join us to experience live the attempts to fly through the night on solar energy on our special page, which will be on line for the occasion: www.solarimpulse.com (http://www.solarimpulse.com/index.php?lang=en) ::cowboy::
___________________________________ ::wave::
YouTube SolarImpulse channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/SolarImpulseChannel) ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking::
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Solar Impulse - First Night Flight postponed ::banghead:: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJucRcnh7WI)
::type:: The testing of this little box of electrics (Telemetry System), as small as my mobile phone, has not gone well, I regret to report. It has a tendency to overheat, and despite it's small size, it is such a complex piece of equipment that we now have to refer back to the manufacturer for more detailed advice, and more likely, a full replacement.
This means that the Solar Impulse SIA will not become airborne today and whilst we do not yet know how long this postponement will last, it will certainly be a minimum of a few days.
Bertrand Piccard ::thinking::
(http://www.solarimpulse.com/upload/blog/122_master.jpg) We're working on it: author Martin Reichlin (http://www.solarimpulse.com/blog/blog.php?lang=es&group=media)
Some hours ago the first attempt of Solar Impulse for a day and night flight powered solely with solar energy had to be postponed. While our guests and the journalists said goodbye and Brian Jones most probably is having a cocktail on the beach, our engineers continue working on the telemtrie problems which popped up this morning.
Friday evening I can give you a next update. See you then.
Martin ::sulk::
Smile: tomorow can be worst (Murphy) ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking::
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|:)\ SOLAR NIGHT FLIGHT (http://www.solarimpulse.com/nightFlights/index.php?lang=es) ::type:: in México 20:05 h (GMT-5); now live stream of recorded videos (most in english & some en français) ::thinking:: live data, course, etc.
|:)\ (http://images.donyanlu.multiply.com/image/r-j+0f0lJh6fi7qGggNOVw/photos/1M/300x300/1822/vuelo-nocturno-I.JPG?et=KiWnTQyzzpAbzSdbZL7DsQ&nmid=0) (http://www.solarimpulse.com/nightFlights/index.php?lang=es) ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking::
Solar Impulse HB-SIA First Night Flight's take off (http://www.youtube.com/user/SolarImpulseChannel#p/u/4/_nowxBfRb7g)
UPDATE: at 05:15h (GMT+2) over Payerne...dawn flight! They've done it! Landing will be at 08:00h (GMT+2); now with 6 hours left of batery energy.
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|:)\ |:)\ |:)\ MACHO MACHO MAN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22AxBsV-be4)
(from Solar Impulse blog)
06:00 GMT+2
The sun has risen here in Switzerland, and Solar Impulse is now officially the first solar-powered airplane to make it through an entire night.
As all of you following us online will have seen on Solar Impulse TV, staff and journalists did the countdown to sunset together and all cheered and clapped as we watched the live images of HB-SIA flying into the sunrise.
Bertrand Piccard is now in the control room, congratulating André Borschberg, who keeps repeating, “It’s only the beginning.”
True enough, but his broad grin betrays the fact that this is also the end of an amazing night, the end of the longest and highest flight a solar-powered airplane has ever done.
It’s an emotional high. But screw the Kleenex, I’m out for champagne and orange juice. ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking::
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And here's a little video I made of the beast returning home from a very successful Paris Air Show visit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5isukzEq4Y
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And here's a little video I made of the beast returning home from a very successful Paris Air Show visit!
Thanks, we can hear (well, silence can be heard) how silent a Solar plane can be!
Bertrand piloting HB·SiA for the very first time: http://www.solarimpulse.com/blog/2011/07/12/bertrand-takes-the-controls-of-hb-sia/
::wave:: See you!
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Yes, I just saw the news they posted! Too bad, had I known I'd have at least tried to wake up way too early and go watch the flight... ::drinking::
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::banghead::
had I known I'd have at least tried to wake up way too early and go watch the flight... ::drinking::
::rofl:: ::rofl:: ::rofl:: ::wave::
