Lyon, France – At the 48th Salon du Bourget aerospace, students from INSA Lyon prepare to unveil the first airship powered by solar energy.
This summer he will conduct its first manned flight, over the Channel.
A collaboration of about thirty students from large schools such as technical schools, the solar airship named Nephelios show will be presented to the Air Show to be held from 15 to 21 June.
The upper part of the airship envelope is covered with flexible solar panels and power generated is transmitted to the engine power of the device which is located behind the steering pod.The project called Sol ‘R required a funding of 150 000, provided in part by Total, the ADEME and INSA Lyon.It is also sponsored by Gérard Feldzer, french famous aviator, now director of the museum of the air and the space Bourget. The construction of Nephelios is not yet complete, it is at the stage of the assembly, but its first flight test soon.
This summer, it should be able to cross the English Channel. The Solar Airship is considered a real alternative to oil in the aviation sector. In addition to their low impact on the environment, airships interest more because of their ability to carry heavy loads and bulky.