Solar Impulse, the zero-emission plane designed to circle the globe with only solar power, has successful second flight.

With the first shards of daylight glinting off its enormous wings covered with power cells, Solar Impulse HB-SIA rose into the sky over Payerne Switzerland on its second test flight on April 22. The plane is designed to be the first to circle the globe nonstop using only solar power.

During the debriefing of pilot Mark Scherdel, Head of flight test operation Claude Nicollier called the flight a “resounding success.” The objectives of this second flight were to test the plane’s maneuverability in tight, 10-degree turns and to achieve minimum speed at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The two-hour flight demonstrated the craft’s aerodynamic flexibility as well as the maneuverability and controllability at the limits of its speed and bank angles. By systematically mapping the prototype’s flight envelope, the engineering team can make the necessary adjustments in the design of the second plane’s, the one destined to fly around the world.

The plane is powered by wing-mounted propellers, connected to four electric motors, drawing power from its skin of solar cells and its two lightweight storage batteries. With the wingspan of a 747, the craft is engineered to achieve extraordinary efficiency to enable it to either fly at low speeds in sunlight or glide through the night on stored power.

The project team and its supporters are empassioned with flight and devoted to non-polluting technology. The plane incorporates several innovations in materials, power storage, propulsion and aircraft design. The entire project is supported by a global community of corporations, universities, scientists, engineers and individuals who contribute funds, expertise and services.

To learn more about the project, read the team blog and become a supporter visit http://www.solarimpulse.com/.