Swiss Firm To Produce World's First Solar Powered Jet

February 18, 2008 11:29 a.m. EST

Singapore City, Singapore (AHN) - Swiss company Solar Impulse signed a partnership agreement with the International Air Transport Association to produce a solar-powered jet. A test flight is set for 2009 with a maiden trip on 2011.

The signing ceremony was held Monday at the Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit.

The $70 million prototype is designed to seat only the pilot, said Solar Impulse president Bertrand Piccard. Its wings will be around 87 yards, equal to the wings of an Airbus 300 superjumbo jet to accommodate solar panels that will tap the sun's rays.

The prototype will seek to circle the globe within 25 days. The solar-powered jet is expected to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the aviation industry.