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Solar Impulse to make surprise stop in Cincinnati

Solar Impulse, the world's most advanced solar-powered airplane, is on its way to Cincinnati, a surprise stop because of weather issues in Washington D.C. The carbon fiber plane has a wingspan of 208 ft. (like a Boeing 747),  and weighs about as much as a small car (3,527 lbs.) It can fly day and night without fuel or polluting emissions. It is 80 ft. nose to tail.

See it as it flies

Watch it herelive until it lands at Lunken Airportat approximately 8:45p.m. Solar Impulse is coming from St. Louis and is preparing for the second half of the 4th Leg of Across America flights to Washington Dulles International Airport.

Solar panels cover the wings and power the plane's four electric engines. Swiss pioneers Betrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg are the founders, pilots and the driving force behind Solar Impulse.

The public can watch the Solar Impulse land at Lunken.

Lunken Airport Manager Fred Anderton says, "The aircraft will be secured on the ramp immediately in front of the terminal building at 262 Wilmer Avenue, here in Cincinnati and once the aircraft is secured, it's my understanding at this point and time, the crew would then allow the public to access the ramp and take a look at the aircraft, although they will be able to see it from the fence."

Anderton says he's getting calls from aviation enthusiasts all over Ohio who want to see it.

Solar Impulse is attempting to make a record-breaking journey across the U.S.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.