An experimental solar-powered plane has landed in Morocco after flying from Madrid in the first transcontinental flight. It landed in the capital, Rabat, on Teusday.

The single-seat aircraft fitted with 12 000 solar cells is the size of a jumbo jet.

Solar Impulse arrived from Switzerland last month on the first leg of the experimental journey.

The mission is being described as a final dress rehearsal for a round-the-world flight with a new and improved plane in 2014.

The project began in 2003 and is estimated to cost about $100 million over 10 years.

The two-leg Europe to Africa trip covers 2 500km.

 

 

Source: http://www.iol.co.za