WE HAVE LIFT OFF: German test pilot Markus Scherdel steering the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015.
PAYERNE: A sun-powered plane made a successful test flight in Switzerland on Monday, clearing a vital hurdle towards its goal of a round-the-world trip next year, its pilot said.
Solar Impulse 2 carried out a flight lasting two hours and 15 minutes, half an hour longer than scheduled, he said.
