SKF Offers Contribution to Solar Impulse Project

SKF is contributing to Solar Impulse, a project that intends to fly an aircraft around the world solely powered by solar energy, and thereby not emit any pollution. Joining the Solar Impulse as a Specialized Partner, SKF contributes to the aircraft’s development with engineering knowledge and products in the specialized areas of analytical modelling, virtual testing and bearing technology.

The construction of the aircraft requires sophisticated research and technologies in light materials, energy storage and composite structures. During the project’s first phase, SKF will provide the main propeller drive of the aircraft with custom-made hybrid deep groove ball bearings.

The prototype aircraft will make its first attempt to fly in a day-night-day cycle by the summer of this year. Moreover, a second aircraft is also likely to be constructed, which will fly around the globe in five stages of five nights and days each in 2013.

Based in Switzerland, Solar Impulse was founded by engineer André Borschberg and aeronaut Bertrand Piccard.