First Solar Flight With Two People Aboard In Aviation History

The Sunseeker Duo under development in Milan, Italy has become the first airplane in history to carry a passenger using only solar energy.

The flight took place May 30. Gizmag reports that the airplane is the company's third, and it is powered by batteries charged only by 1,510 solar cells on its wings. The company says that the airplane can fly more than 12 hours with two people on board.

The flight was made by husband and wife Eric and Irena Raymond. Irena wrote on the company website "Flying the Duo, skimming the white fluffy clouds from above and playing on the sky, I feel like a bird. No limitations, a pure freedom. It’s so quiet! Compared to a normal airplane, it’s like night and day. You need very good headset in every other powered airplane, but in this airplane you can speak normally even when the motor is running full power, no headset needed. It is unbelievable."

Gizmag reports that the couple plans a 100 mile trip to assess the Sunseeker Duo's cross-country capabilities in July. Flight testing of the airplane is ongoing.

(Image provided by Solar Flight)

FMI: www.solar-flight.com