Automation & IIoT

Around the World with Solar Impulse 2

July 11, 2016

The solar-powered plane is flying through Europe after completing the first transatlantic flight without fuel.

After 71 hours and 8 minutes in the air, Solar Impulse traveled 4,203 miles from JFK to Seville, Spain. It was over five years ago that the solar-powered plane left from Abu Dhabi. Today, it is less than 6,000 miles from circumnavigating the world without using any fuel. Leader of this venture, Bertrand Piccard, said this plane is not to carry people or change aviation, but carry ideas and change minds. The Idea is that clean technologies and renewable energy can achieve the impossible.

About the Author

Jeff Kerns | Technology Editor

Studying mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), he worked in the Polymer Research Lab. Utilizing RIT’s co-op program Jeff worked for two aerospace companies focusing on drafting, quality, and manufacturing for aerospace fasteners and metallurgy. He also studied abroad living in Dubrovnik, Croatia. After college, he became a commissioning engineer, traveling the world working on precision rotary equipment. Then he attended a few masters courses at the local college, and helped an automation company build equipment.

Growing up in Lancaster County, PA he always liked to tinker, build, and invent. He is ecstatic to be at Machine Design Magazine in New York City and looks forward to producing valuable information in the mechanical industry.

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