Sunseeker I
Eric Raymond (homebuilt) · United States · first flew 1989 · light aircraft
The Sunseeker I was an American solar-electric homebuilt aircraft designed and built by Eric Raymond, completing the first solar-powered crossing of the United States in 1990. It demonstrated the feasibility of sustained solar flight for a single occupant.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very long slender wing relative to tiny fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pioneer solar-electric homebuilt aircraft with photovoltaic wing panels
- Pusher propeller driven by electric motor charged by solar cells
- Very long slender wing relative to tiny fuselage
Instantly identified by the large array of photovoltaic cells covering the upper wing surface, the single pusher propeller at the rear of the slender fuselage, and the extremely high aspect-ratio wing.
Specifications
- The Sunseeker I has a length of 7 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.5 m (57 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Eric Raymond designed and constructed the Sunseeker I over several years and first flew it in 1989. In 1990 he completed a transcontinental flight across the USA in 21 stages, relying primarily on solar energy stored in onboard batteries. The aircraft attracted worldwide attention as a proof of concept for renewable-energy aviation.
Variants
The Sunseeker II and later Sunseeker Duo followed, progressively improving endurance and payload.
Where you'll see it
A privately operated experimental aircraft; never in commercial or military service.
Related aircraft
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