Cobham provides telemetry link for revolutionary Solar Impulse aircraft 

CARLSBAD, CA, USA – Cobham is providing a crucial telemetry link for the revolutionary Solar Impulse solar powered aircraft, which completed a 26-hour non-stop flight in July this year and is working up to become the first solar powered aircraft to circle the earth.

Through a partnership agreement Solar Impulse uses a Cobham VT-2W transmitter to downlink critical imagery and telemetry data. Manufactured at Cobham’s Carlsbad facility, the transmitter’s  small size, efficient operation, high power output and narrow bandwidth are all positive attributes on an aircraft where power management is critical.

The July 8 flight of 26 hours 9 minutes was the longest and highest in the history of solar aviation. The Solar Impulse aircraft flew though a full night, relied solely on solar energy and produced no environmentally harmful emissions.

Cobham Surveillance Vice President Steve Schaefer said : “The partnership with Solar Impulse is a reflection of the pioneering spirit and technical innovation that exists in Cobham. We look forward to continuing to work with the project as it progresses to its ultimate aim.”