Solar-powered plane lands in India

A Swiss-made solar powered aircraft The Solar Impulse 2  touched down at Ahmadabad airport in Gujarat state of India completing the second leg — and its first sea crossing — of its historic round-the-world trip,about 16 hours after it took off from Muscat, Oman, for the 910-mile flight without a drop of fuel. The Swiss pilots, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Boschberg, are taking turns at the controls of the aircraft during their 21,700-mile journey.

The aircraft’s wings are covered by more than 17,000 solar cells that recharge the plane’s batteries. It flies ideally at around 25 knots, or 28 mph.

Both pilots have been training hard for this journey, which will span 25 flight days over five months. Borschberg has been practicing yoga and Piccard self-hypnosis.

Neither pilot will be able to stand in the cockpit while flying, but the seat reclines for stretching and its cushion can be removed for access to a toilet. There is no running water onboard. Armbands placed underneath their suits will buzz if the plane isn’t flying level.