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\f0\fs24 \cf0 Solar-powered plane to fly around the world\
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Two Swiss pilots are to attempt to fly around the world in a plane powered solely by the sun, seeking to prove that such a flight is possible without using fossil fuel\
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Structure: Carbon fibre, three times lighter than paper\
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Wings: 17,000 solar cells \'96 135 microns thick \'96 supply four electric motors with renewable energy\
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SOLAR IMPULSE 2\
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Wingspan: 72 metres \'96 wider than Boeing 747\
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Weight: 2,300kg \'96 same as family car\
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Propulsion: Four wing pods each contain 17.5hp electric motor and lithium polymer battery Solar cells recharge batteries \'96 total mass 633kg \'96 to allow plane to fly at night\
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Antenna\
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Cockpit: 3.8 cubic metres. Unpressurized, unheated, but highly insulated cabin designed to support solo pilot for 5-6 days\
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Oxygen supply for high altitude flight\
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Autopilot alerts pilot of anomaly via wrist- mounted buzzer\
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Ergonomically designed seat allows room for exercise and 20-minute catnaps during five-day ocean crossings\
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Parachute and life-raft packed into seat- back\
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Toilet\
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Solar Impulse 2 piloted by project founders Bertrand Piccard and Andr\'e9 Borschberg\
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FLIGHT: 35,000km journey will span 25 flight days spread over five months at average speed of 70km/h, with stops at 12 locations \
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Stopovers\
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PACIFIC OCEAN\
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Hawaii U.S.\
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Phoenix U.S.\
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Mid U.S.\
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New York U.S.\
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ATLANTIC OCEAN\
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Southern Europe or North Africa\
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Muscat OMAN\
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Ahmedabat INDIA\
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Start/Finish: Abu Dhabi\
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Varanasi INDIA\
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Mandalay MYANMAR\
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Chongqing CHINA\
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Nanjing CHINA\
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PACIFIC\
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Take off and landing: Scheduled at night to avoid turbulence. Take-off speed: 35km/h\
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During day: Aircraft climbs to 8,500m as it stores solar energy. Top speed: 140km/h\
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During night: Descends to 1,500m and slows to conserve power and reduce pilot stress\
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Source: Solar Impulse\
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Picture: Getty Images\
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