Zoomi Life

While a lot of attention is put onto cars and trucks in electric transportation, the field of aviation is seeing its share of innovation too.  We’ve covered light aviation with the ElectricFlycer C and other prototypes and planned technologies in electric airplanes.

This solar plane, built by a team lead by Bertrand Piccard, though, is different.  His new prototype is the cloeset yet to the real thing (so far).  It spans 61 meters and weighs about 1,500 kilograms and will be flying trials and undergoing night time tests to be sure it can fly 24/7.

The final version of this plane won’t fly until 2012, when it will attempt to cross the Atlantic.  After that, it will embark on a world tour.  Literally flying around the world.

For those who remember, Dr. Piccard (not to be confused with Captain Jean Luc) flew a record-setting round-the-world flight in the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon.

Here is video of the plane’s unveiling: