Solar Impulse 2
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The Solar Impulse 2 is a solar-powered research aircraft built by Solar Impulse in Switzerland. It first flew in 2014, but it never entered regular service. Prove that an aircraft could fly day and night on solar power alone.
Photo: Solar Impulse on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed90 km/h (56 mph)
- Range40,000 km (24,855 miles)
- First flight2014
- Wingspan71.9 m (236 ft)
Solar Impulse 2 specs
| Top speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
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| Range | 40,000 km (24,855 miles) |
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| Length | 22.4 m (73 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 71.9 m (236 ft) |
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| Height | 6.4 m (21 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 2.3 t (5,071 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 4 × electric, solar powered |
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| First flight | 2014 |
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| Entered service | Never entered regular service |
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| Built by | Solar Impulse (Switzerland) |
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Solar Impulse 2 facts
- It flew around the world in 2015 and 2016 using only the power of the sun.
- Its wings are wider than a jumbo jet, yet it weighs about as much as an SUV.
Quick quiz
When did the Solar Impulse 2 first fly?
In 2014.
Who built the Solar Impulse 2?
Solar Impulse, in Switzerland.
How fast can the Solar Impulse 2 fly?
Its top speed is 90 km/h (56 mph).
How far can the Solar Impulse 2 fly?
About 40,000 km (24,855 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
Solar Impulse 2 vs similar aircraft
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