Solar Impulse - Fuselage Load Test

"This has been an unbelievable moment" - First load tests of the prototype
Tension was running high in the Solar Impulse hangar at the start of the fuselage tests. Would the cockpit, the axles or the tail - the result of many years of research, calculations, simulations and tests - rupture? Would the fuselage bear the strain? The Solar Impulse team held their breath as 900 kg of lead were attached to the cockpit and 300 kg to each of the three axles. The load was gradually increased - first 20%, then 50, 75 and finally 100%. Several hours of tension - both for the team and the test specimen - were followed by elation, applause and relief once the structure of the prototype had passed its final test - and was certified airworthy, confirming the choice of technologies and construction design for the solar airplane which have until now never been used in the aviation industry.

The Solar Impulse Insight video clip "Fuselage Tests" lets you experience the tension and excitement during the static load tests to check the plane's bending and torsion behaviour under real maximum load conditions.

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Science & Technology

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