The introduction of new technologies is often speeded up through adventurers who with their daring attempts spark the imagination that fuels development. Charles Lindbergh made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Now two Swiss pilots hope to encourage the replacement of “old polluting technologies with clean and efficient technologies” with a nonstop flight around the world in their solar powered plane.
Their company Solar Impulse has built the first aircraft that can fly night and day propelled solely by the sun. The trip will take some 250 flight hours over 12 legs during an expected five months at an average speed of 45 m/h.The biggest challenge for the pilots will be staying awake. They will use yoga, self-hypnosis and meditation to meet that challenge.