The Solar Impulse took off on its first test flight from Payerne field in Switzerland Wednesday, reaching an altitude of 975 meters (3,199 feet) and maximum speed of 45.9 kph (28.5 mph).  The plane’s wingspan is  63.4 m (208 ft).

Bertrand Piccard, the aviation pioneer who, with Brian Jones, completed the first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe by balloon in 1999, is the creative force behind this solar-powered venture.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10jvzP_6dvo

KJC