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First test flight set for solar power plane
A revolutionary plane which is powered by the rays of the sun is set to have its first test flight in April 2009.
Dubbed Solar Impulse, the plane will be tested in Switzerland in preparation for a possible round-the-world flight in May 2011.
The plans will function through the use if 12,000 photovoltaic cells located on the upper surface of its wings which will capture sunlight.
Energy will be stored in a 400 kilogram deep cycle battery bank which will allow it to continue to fly even in the hours of darkness.
With its 61 metre wingspan, the plane could go into commercial production within the next three years.
Back in August, a solar powered spy plane designed by British engineers, stayed in flight for 82 hours and 37 minutes.
UK defence firm Qinetiq built the aircraft which flies at around 70 miles an hour.
It was designed to transmit radio messages from troops on the ground and improve surveillance for military personnel.
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