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Lofty ambitions

10 July 2023

Making the unthinkable possible – this has always been our motivation. That’s why we are supporting the ambitious SolarStratos innovation project, by raising its profile with our space-look lorry designs. Because Switzerland needs to recognise that technologies based on solar energy and electricity will achieve humanity’s lofty ambitions and help shape the environment and mobility of tomorrow.

::About SolarStratos

SolarStratos is a solar plane that aims to surpass the previous altitude record for solar-powered aircraft of 9,235 metres. Inventor and pilot, Raphaël Domjan, is pursuing a major goal with his technological marvel: a 15-minute glide in the stratosphere. SolarStratos is propelled by a double electric motor (2 x 19 kW) running at maximum 2,200 U/min. The propeller has three blades and a 1.75 metre diameter. A new propeller is currently being developed for the record flight, which is optimised for high altitude climbing.

Flying high

Harnessing renewable energies and protecting our planet: this is the SolarStratos vision in a nutshell. But it’s not quite that simple, of course. Which is exactly why the SolarStratos team is counting on us. Its solar-powered glider proves that innovative technologies can be used to accomplish things that far exceed the potential of fossil fuels. The people behind SolarStratos consider electric and solar-powered technologies to be our key tasks for the 21st century. They aim to embrace these and quite literally raise the issue of sustainability to a new sphere.

The story so far

The Swiss solar energy pioneer, Raphaël Domjan, initiated the SolarStratos project in 2014, using crowdfunding to finance it. The prototype was unveiled on 7 December 2016 in Payerne. Five months later, the aircraft with registration HB-SXA took off on its maiden flight. On 25 August 2020, SolarStratos provided the launchpad for the first ever parachute jump from an electric plane. SolarStratos now aims to significantly surpass the previous altitude record for solar-powered aircraft of 9,235 metres. Its next record: a 15-minute glide in the stratosphere using nothing but solar power.

An early pioneer

SolarStratos inventor and pilot, Raphaël Domjan, has been involved in the fight against climate change and for a liveable environment for many years. He wants to use his solar-powered innovation to show that climate-friendly aviation is possible. Plus: by advancing and developing new technologies, he wants to help stop climate change on our planet. To demonstrate that such an impossibility is possible, Raphaël Domjan is the first person in the SolarStratos cockpit to target the stratosphere. This endeavour is as audacious as it is delicate. For example, there is no pressure equalisation in the aircraft, in order to minimise the overall weight. That’s why Raphaël Domjan must wear a pressurised space suit during his flight into the stratosphere, which is powered solely by solar energy – another world first.

Shared values, double the value

As a third-generation family company, we have far more in common with Raphaël Domjan and his team than you might initially think. SolarStratos aims to prove that humanity can do something about climate change and make a difference to our environment. Provided we are willing to push the established boundaries. Literally speaking, of course, we in the transport and warehouse logistics business usually keep our feet on the ground. Nevertheless, we always reach for the stars and tirelessly develop our innovations, technologies and processes. Because we share the vision of a healthy planet. And just like Raphaël Domjan, we also want to contribute to sustainability on Earth. So that future generations can enjoy a healthy, secure life here for a long time to come.

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