Solar-powered plane lands in Switzerland

In a moment which could have significant ramifications for the entire aviation industry, a solar-powered plane has landed in Switzerland following the completion of the first ever successful night flight.

The Solar Impulse plane is powered by 12,000 super-efficient solar cells, which are able to capture enough power to allow the plane to stay in the air once the sun’s rays have faded.

Solar impulse reached heights of 8,700m during its 26-hour flight – both the longest and highest recorded flight for a solar-power plane - before landing at Payerne airport this morning.

08.07.10