The Solar Impulse HB-SIA, which is flying across the United State this summer, using only solar energy.
© Solar Impulse/ Jean Revillard.
Solar Impulse, a fuel-free solar plane, is making a trip across the United States this summer. This plane is the brainchild of Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, two pilots who have a goal of showing the world what can be achieved with solar energy.
The next step in the project is a solar plane capable of flying around the world. This plane, the Solar Impulse HB-SIB, is currently under construction, and Robert Saunders, a graduate of the College of Engineering and an instructor in the electrical engineering department, is designing its autopilot system. Saunders’ employer, TruTrak, has partnered with Solar Impulse in this endeavor. The plane is scheduled to attempt a round-the-world flight in 2015.