Solar-powered planes began flying around the world

Solar powered engines today embark on a world-wide voyage from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

>> Solar planes are flying around the world

The Solar Impulse 2 (SI2) took off from Al-Bateen Airport at 7:12 am (local time) (4h12 GMT). It flies towards Muscat, the capital of Oman and plans to land here after the first leg of the journey.

From Muscat, the plane will stop at 12 points on a five-month journey. During this time, the aircraft is expected to fly over the Arabian Sea to India, before reaching Myanmar, China, Hawaii and New York, USA. Depending on weather conditions, Solar Impulse 2 (SI2) stops in the Midwest, southern Europe or North Africa. The longest flight lasted five days, crossing the Pacific Ocean at a distance of 8,500 km.

SI2 is a new improved version, weighing 2,300 kg and having a wingspan of 72 m. The aircraft was designed with 17,000 solar panels, allowing it to fly indefinitely without fuel, while flying in automatic mode. SI2 flies at 50-100 km / h and declines at night

The vehicle has only space for one person, so the pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg will rotate each other. They are linked to the control center in Monaco, with the support of 65 people.

"This is a human project, a human challenge," Borschberg, co-founder and chief executive of Solar Impulse, told reporters yesterday. Prior to that, Solar Impulse 2 (SI2) was scheduled to take off on 7 March but was delayed due to weather conditions.

According to AFP, this is a trip to improve and promote the development of green energy in the future.

"We want to share our vision of a cleaner future. Climate change is an opportunity to introduce new green technologies that help save energy, conserve natural resources. Make profit and job opportunities, sustain growth, "said Piccard, chairman of Solar Impulse.

Introducing Solar Impulse 2. (Graphic: BBC)