Comment Solar-powered? (Score 2, Interesting) 87
Did they use solar power to create the helium? Since the helium produces the lift, to be solar-powered it would also need to produce the helium. Running a couple of propellers isn't new.
Check out the Helios aircraft from NASA for a true solar-powered aircraft.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/history/pastprojects/Helios/