The Solar Impulse, an ultra-lightweight, solar-powered plane, flew across America from San Francisco to New York City with the help of diverse material innovations and technologies from Bayer MaterialScience, Bayer said July 8.
Engineers are testing the next version of the plane expected to fly around the world in 2015.
At the RUAG Large Subsonic Wind Tunnel in Emmen, Switzerland, engineers are testing a polyurethane foam cockpit shell developed by Bayer MaterialScience. The tests will verify the airworthiness of the structure and the cabin door, and will also simulate the behavior of the materials during flight.
“The opportunities on this new aircraft are really limitless as the components will need to be even more lightweight than this first plane model, providing additional opportunities to showcase Bayer’s material innovations,” said Patrick Thomas, CEO of Bayer MaterialScience.
For more information, visit www.bmsnafta.com.
