Solar Powered Airplane Touches Down in New York City

On average, eight million people fly every day. And now, with a successful around-the-world trip of a special airplane, those passengers could be in for something quite different.

Solar Impulse 2, a Swiss-made aircraft powered solely by the sun’s energy, is on its way to complete its first trip around the world and has recently landed in New York City. The aircraft started its journey in March 2015, taking off from Abu Dhabi. On her maiden voyage, the Solar Impulse 2 soared through Oman, Myanmar, China, and Japan. She then embarked on a five-day voyage from Japan to Hawaii, where the crew was forced to stay in Oahu for over nine months after the plane’s battery sustained heat damage.

From Hawaii, the plane stopped in San Francisco, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Tulsa, OK; Dayton, OH — home to aviation explorers Orville and Wilbur Wright — and Allentown, PA The trip took about five weeks.

Now, the pilots are taking a break in New York City for the next few weeks. Lucky travelers passing through John F. Kennedy International Airport may be able to catch a glimpse of the airplane in her temporary home in Hanger 19. The next stop on the globe is South Africa.

The Solar Impulse 2 really is a sight to see and is a great example of modern technology at its finest. The wings stretch longer than those of a Boeing 747, and they are equipped with 17,000 solar cells that power propellers and charge batteries.

One slight downfall is that she does not move as fast as other commercial airlines. Ideal flight speed is around 28 miles per hour, but that can double during the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest. The plane runs on stored energy at night.

Even though this airplane is a rarity, that doesn’t mean standard-issue airplanes can’t use technology to their advantage. Considering 41% of airline passengers like to watch movies in flight, and 37% call an iPad or a tablet to be a carry-on essential, it is important all aircraft display systems are up to date with passenger’s needs. This includes Wi-Fi, in seat power, and in flight entertainment systems.

For anything aircraft display related, Imagik International Corp is the in flight entertainment systems manufacturer you can trust.