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Solar Challenger
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Solar Challenger

American aircraft
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Quick Summary

The Solar Challenger was an experimental aircraft designed by Paul MacCready, an American aerodynamicist. This solar-powered plane achieved sustained flight, a significant feat in aviation history.

On July 7, 1981, the Solar Challenger flew from near Paris to a Royal Air Force Base in England, covering 160 miles (258 km) in 5 hours and 23 minutes. It maintained an average speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) and reached an altitude of 11,000 feet (3,350 m). The aircraft was powered by 16,128 solar cells connected to two electric motors.1

Paul MacCready was also known for designing the first man-powered aircraft, the Gossamer Condor, and the Gossamer Albatross, which completed the first man-propelled flight across the English Channel. His innovative designs often utilized lightweight materials and focused on energy efficiency.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Burt Rutan
  2. Paul Beattie MacCready

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