Gallery: The History of Solar-Powered Airplanes

April 28, 2016

Solar Impulse 2, which recently crossed the Pacific Ocean without a single drop of fuel, is not the first solar-powered airplane. Research projects testing the limits of solar power helped to set the table for the latest milestone.

James Morra

Solar Impulse 2, which recently crossed the Pacific Ocean without a single drop of fuel, is not the first solar-powered aircraft and it will likely not be the last. The history of solar-powered airplanes started with research projects that tested the limits of what solar power can do.

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About the Author

James Morra | Senior Editor

James Morra is a senior editor for Electronic Design, covering the semiconductor industry and new technology trends, with a focus on power electronics and power management. He also reports on the business behind electrical engineering, including the electronics supply chain. He joined Electronic Design in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.