Swiss adventurers to take solar-powered plane up for all-night test, plan to circle in 2012

Swiss team plans to fly solar plane all night

GENEVA — A Swiss team hoping to fly a solar-powered plane around the world in 2012 says it plans to take a prototype for an all-night spin later this month.

The team, led by adventurer Bertrand Piccard, says it will try to fly the Solar Impulse nonstop for 24 hours as part of its test program.

It says the pilot, Andre Borschberg, will need to conserve enough battery power during the day to make it through the night.

Borschberg says being able to fly through the night will allow the plane to stay airborne for successive cycles and come close to permitting perpetual flight.

Team spokeswoman Rachel Bros de Puechredon said Tuesday the exact date of the test flight will depend on the weather.