Solar-Power Plane To Make Stop Near Philly

by Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It could be the first solar-powered plane to fly around the world: the Solar Impulse 2 already has made it from Abu Dhabi to Ohio in a little over a year. Its next stop is not far from Philadelphia.

Who needs fuel when you have more than 17,000 solar cells?

"It's an amazing opportunity for our community to be a part of this global adventure, where it will actually stop here," said Charles Everett, who heads the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority.

The Solar Impulse 2 -- flying in the name of clean energy -- is expected to land at Lehigh Valley International Airport around 9pm Wednesday night (visitors must arrive by 8:15).

"When you look at the wingspan, it's 238 feet -- the only other aircraft I can think of that's anywhere near that is a 747-800, that has a wingspan of about 225 feet," said Everett.

So crews have had to take down light poles and have built a temporary hangar for the aircraft. The SI2 was delayed flying to Allentown from Dayton because its tent there deflated and brushed a portion of its carbon fiber, but it wasn't damaged.

Free tickets to see the aircraft in Allentown are at solarimpulse.com.