Around the Earth using power of Sun
Two pilots who flew around the world in a fuel-less plane got medals from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
On May 2 the Perthbased RSGS awarded its Mungo Park Medal to Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the pilots and driving force behind Solar Impulse.
Beginning in March 2015, the ultra-light aircraft travelled 40,000km using only the sun’s energy to power its motors. Solar cells mounted on the wings, fuselage and tailplane created enough energy to power the motors to an average cruising speed of 43mph.
The Mungo Park Medal is awarded annually for “an inspirational contribution to geographical knowledge through exploration or adventure in potentially hazardous physical or social environments”.
Bertrand Piccard is the visionary behind Solar Impulse and wants to use his pioneering spirit to promote renewable energies and clean technologies.
André Borschberg played an important role in the construction of Solar Impulse.
RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said: “Since the society was founded its role has been to draw on the best expertise available, to inform and inspire people and to promote and develop answers to the most critical geographical issues.” Vanessa Collingridge, Bertrand Piccard, André Borschberg, and Professor Roger Crofts