Ever thought of a non-stop journey around the world on a solar-powered plane?

If everything goes according to the plans of a team of scientists and aviation experts in Switzerland, this might just be possible as early as in 2011.

The team is working on a project to develop an aircraft named ‘Solar Impulse’ which will be able to fly both day and night, propelled by solar energy.

“If things go as per plans then the aircraft will complete a first-of-its-kind test flight in May next year,” said Andre Borschberg, CEO of Solarimpulse.

Giving a presentation on the prototype of the one-seater aircraft, Borschberg said the 1.5-tonne plane, currently under construction in Dubendorf near Zurich, will attempt a trip around the world in 2011 with a stopover at each continent.

He said ‘Solar Impulse’ aimed to demonstrate the immense potential of renewable energies by flying night and day using no fuel and without emitting pollutants.

The plane, will have a wingspan of approximately 61 m, little wider than the wingspan of an Airbus A380, with its solar cells placed on the upper surface of the wings.

Borschberg, a renowned mechanical engineer, said the $100-million project which was started in 2003, will provide, upon completion, a solar-powered prototype, capable of reaching heights of approximately 8,500 m.

To enable the aircraft fly in the night, the scientists have developed a battery tank, weighing about 400 kg which will provide the energy for night flight.

“Never before has an aircraft been constructed with such large dimension and yet remained so light, and never before has a system of propulsion been perfected to such a level of efficiency,” Borschberg said.

Although the first aircraft will be one-seater, Borschberg said in future they would also attempt to develop bigger aircraft.

“This is the evolution stage. If we succeed, then we could think of making bigger aircraft. It has the potential to recreate history,” he said.

Watch maker Omega, Deutsche Bank, Solvary are extending monetary support and technological expertise to the project as main partners.

Borschberg said they are looking for a fourth partner from Asia.

Asked whether they will consider a stopover in India during the world tour, Borschberg just said if a proposal comes it will be considered.

According to him, this venture will contribute substantially to the scientific and ecological development of alternative means of sustainable energy for the future.