Solar Impulse 2: Pioneering plane takes off on Atlantic stretch of record-breaking journey

The journey between the US and Spain is one of the longest legs on the tough and trying trip around the world

The solar powered airplane Solar Impulse 2 with Bertrand Piccard at the controls is seen landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport (REUTERS)

A plane that is flying around the world without using a single bit of fuel is about to set out on of the hardest parts of its journey.

The ultra-light Solar Impulse 2, which shelters its pilots inside a tiny cabin, took off from New York on a trip that could take up to 90 hours. The journey to Spain – the 15th leg of the journey – is one of the longest and most arduous, taking the plane all of the way across the Atlantic in one go.

Swiss aviator Bertrand Piccard will be flying the plane on the current transatlantic flight. Mr Piccard has been sharing responsibilities with Andre Borschberg, taking turns to fly the plane on its way around the world.

Solar Impulse 2 is being used as a way to demonstrate the power of renewable energies and to highlight the value of using them. It uses more than 17,000 solar cells mounted across a huge wing span, allowing the plane to fly for hours without a single drop of traditional fuel.

Because the plane flies so slowly, the two pilots have taken up meditation and hypnosis so that they can stay awake and alert through the long journeys.

The plane will land sometime on Thursday, either in Spain or France. Where exactly the current leg finishes will depend on the weather.

The plan has four solar-powered engines and takes power from four batteries that can store up surplus energy. It weighs as much as and travels about the same speed as a family car.

The trip began in Abu Dhabi in March 2015, and hopes to return to the United Arab Emirates to finish its journey around the world. It has stopped over for rests and promotional opportunities in Oman, Myanmar, China and Japan.