The organisers of the International Paris Air Show are delighted and extremely proud to announce the presence of the solar aeroplane Solar Impulse as the show's "Special Guest".
Wow! That's going to get me rushing to Paris...... A thing that looks like one of those balsa wood planes we made years ago that always got stuck in a tree first time out. Will it do a display? Can just see the typical French crowd cheering that as it staggers into the air. Can it display if the sun isn't out? Can just hear the announcement-' sorry ladies and gentlemen it will not display as zee sun is behind a cloud...' The website for the Impulse shows a bloke on a bike looking at it, probably wants to race it for a bet.
You might guess I'm not a great convert to solar powered aircraft-what will it lead to, airliners with wings the size of Wales carrying 6 passengers to Dublin on a sunny, wind-free day? Sorry no luggage, can't manage that. What will be at Farnborough next year, a Ryanair powered by 50 cyclists tethered to the wings of a Cessna, all pedalling like mad? How about an airliners pulled by 20 swans.... Suggestions please...
Bring back real aeroplanes with proper engines.
Eclipse (green rules)