| SOLAR FLIGHT's goal is to demonstrate that aircraft can by propelled by electric power, and develop them into practical vehicles. We have so far demonstrated a light single seat airplane, but we want to build bigger, faster machines. | ||
| This is a photo of a German motor glider, with an engine that burns unleaded gasoline. We consider this the best aircraft presently in production, and an excellent example of what electric aircraft will look like in the future. SOLAR FLIGHT owned and flew a STEMME for 18 months. SOLAR FLIGHT has plans to build a two seat aircraft similar to the STEMME, and eventually a four seater. For more information on the STEMME : www.stemme.com |  |
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BACKGROUND SOLAR FLIGHT is an ongoing effort by champion glider pilot Eric Raymond. After designing and building his own gliders, he was invited to fly the two fastest pedal powered aircraft. |
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MUSCULAIR II man powered aircraft Designed
and built by Gunther Rochelt Current speed record holder Being flown by
Eric Raymond
Click on the photo for a high resolution view |
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He realized that with solar panels on the wings, more than ten times more power would be available. With encouragement from Klaus Savier and Gunther Rochelt, Eric evolved his concept for a solar powered airplane. Prior designs had large wings, to collect large amounts of electricity. Eric wanted a faster aircraft, so he designed smaller, more efficient wings, and relied on batteries that would charge up from the solar panels to provide enough power for take off. Once up, the solar panels were intended to provide sufficient power for level flight. Between 1986 and 1990 he built a technology demonstrator, named SUNSEEKER. During August 1990, he flew it from California to North Carolina in 21 days. Eric's dream is to fly around the world by solar power, to bring attention to what is possible if we apply technology that is already available. |
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