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The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.

Solar Impulse at Dulles

After many weather delays, the Solar Impulse aircraft finally made its way to Washington Dulles International Airport, landing just before midnight on June 15th, 2013. It was the 2nd to final stop on its trip across the United States, before a planned 2-seater variant is to attempt a global circumnavigation in 2014. The experimental Swiss aircraft is entirely solar powered, weighting a mere ~3,500lbs (900lbs of which are batteries), has the wingspan of a 747 (almost 200 feet), and has only a single seat for the pilot. It is powered by four 10-horsepower electric motors, and has a cruise speed of just 37 knots (~43 MPH).

The Solar Impulse moves at extremely slow speeds; for this reason, the FAA only allows it to fly at night, when air traffic is at a minimum. Nighttime flight is possible with the 900lbs of Lithium-Ion batteries, built into the wings underneath the solar panels that charge them. From the ground, the Solar Impulse appears to be stationary in mid-air - the LED lights make it look like a UFO.

Media and special guests arrived at Dulles, and awaited the Solar Impulse on the runway. For most of those present, it was a reality check of how dark an airfield truly is at night, even with the airfield indicator lights. All of my photos were shot at ISO 6400 and above for this event.

All photos are available to view and purchase here.

As the Solar Impulse turns on its lights, the crowd gasps at how stationary it appears from its distance. Traffic is visible well behind the Solar Impulse, as the ATCT gives it plenty of working room to land on R/W 19L, which was closed specifically for the Solar Impulse team.

To prevent damage to the wingtips and props as the Solar Impulse lands, cyclists chase along underneath the wings as they lose lift, and catch them to prevent them from scraping the ground.

The entire event was broadcast live. The small crowd watches as Pilot Bertrand Piccard is helped out of the cockpit and welcomed to Dulles.

Dulles' Customer Service Manager Dennis Hazell presents Pilot Bertrand Piccard with Dunkin' Donuts after a 20 hour flight. Captain Piccard said he had been eagerly awaiting landing just to get the donuts, and that it was one of the most memorable things he's been presented with since the trip began.

Pilot Bertrand Piccard answers questions in a press conference, both in Swiss and English.

NASA SCA and Space Shuttles at Dulles 1 Year Anniversary

Happy Anniversary! Can you believe it? Just one very short year ago today, I was present for modern history where I shot this photo of Space Shuttle Discovery arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport, where it now calls the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center home, less than 3 miles from my home.

In a year's time I've met a lot of great people and done a lot of great things. I especially want to thank my friend Jim, who was on board this flight, for everything he's done; and a big thank you to the crew who also has been very friendly and welcoming to me. Huge thank you to Dennis for getting me involved in last year's historic events in a big way, and Erik for supporting me in pursuing my photography.

And to all those I have met and connected with in the last year, thank you all for making the last year a very special one - one for the history books!

Also, due to renewed popular demand, I've made my highlight photos of last year's NASA SCA and Space Shuttle Transport Missions available for order on my client site, for those of you who were not part of the NASA Crew or Fifty for 50th Event. Enjoy!

Here's a recap of what my week looked like just 1 short year ago:

Etihad at Dulles (April 2013)

Following up from Etihad Airways' sneak peek I covered in January, Dulles' newest airline celebrated its first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Washington, DC, and a few days later opened a new Diamond First and Business Class Lounge at Gate A14. Individuals present for the events included Etihad President and CEO James Hogan, as well as HE Michael Corbin, US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The entire set can be viewed here.

Monday, April 1st, 2013:

Finally it was time for the A340-500ER to arrive at Dulles, where the aircraft was greeted by a water arch, followed by welcoming remarks from Etihad PCEO James Hogan and MWAA CEO Jack Potter.

Thursday, April 4th, 2013:

Several days later, Etihad formally opened their newest Diamond First and Business Class Lounge adjacent to their Gate at A14. Members of the airline and delegation were also present for the Lounge opening ceremony. Amenities the lounge features include business connectivity and meeting areas, showers, prayer areas, entertainment pods, family and children's play areas, and a fully staffed kitchen with gourmet chefs, among other relaxing ways to spend time before or after your flight.

The executive delegation began arriving, and after a full tour of the lounge the opening remarks and ribbon cutting ceremony commenced, followed by a reception.

My coverage from last week's events at Dulles was used in the Official Etihad Press Releases, and also ended up in anna.aero and Jeff Clabaugh's article in Washington Business Journal, among other aviation news outlets around the world.

Jaguar Alive Driving Experience

After getting exclusive access to the new Jaguar F-Type at the 2013 Washington Auto Show, my friend Jake and I were invited by Jaguar to a track day in which we could test drive all of Jaguar's top end and most recent models, including the 550HP, $155,000 XKR-S, and the pre-production XFR-S, among others. Unfortunately the F-Type was still unavailable to drive, although a beautiful orange example from the Paris Auto Show was on hand to demo under the reception tent. Events we took part in were a Timed 0-60 / Top Speed Run, Autocross Circuit, Traction Control Demo Circuit, and Free Drive of any of the available lineup (the XJL was VERY well appointed). As Jake later pointed out, we drove ~$1,000,000 worth of cars in just a few hours time.

The day started out with being greeted by showcase Jaguars, including a 1967 Jaguar E-Type, with DC plates "ELATED". The event attracted plenty of exotic cars in the parking lot, mostly Jags of course.

Not far away was the Orange F-Type V8 S, and one of MANY XKR-Ss (actually there AREN'T many; the XKR-S is a limited production run vehicle with only 100 examples being sold in the United States).

Our driving experience started out by road testing the XJ, which was very responsive, although the Eco feature that disables the engine in stop and go traffic was a bit strange (we later disabled it). All the Jaguars had very sensitive brakes - not a bad thing, but something that took a few minutes to get used to.

Next we were briefed by Lorraine McKiniry, host of Velocity Channel by Discovery Network's "What's My Car Worth?" who gave a history of the Jaguar brand, culminating in the 2013 lineup, and discussion of future plans for the carmaker. Then it was out onto the track, where first up was my 0-60 / Top Speed run in the XKR-S. I reached 90MPH with a 5.5sec 0-60 time (unofficial - official times are forthcoming). The track was uphill on cold, hard tires, so the XKR-S' specified 4.0 - 4.2 sec range wasn't possible given the conditions. You can watch my runs and see the live telemetry below!

Next it was on to the Autocross Course and Handling Tests. I had a more strict course instructor than Jake did, so I wasn't allowed as much freedom on the course as Jake was which was somewhat disappointing. The result was a top time of 39.6sec compared to Jake's 37.something sec time. The Handling Course in the XFR-S was much more fun however, mostly because I startled and impressed the course instructor with a massive drift - he wasn't expecting it, but he was shocked that I maintained full control around the entire turn in a textbook drift without the traction control engaged. His reaction after I snapped the car back in line for the straightaway was "WHOA!!!... OK.... Um... I didn't know you could do that. That was very good... Wow!... You handled that.... really well!..."

Unfortunately I don't have many pictures from this or the rest of the day... because I was too busy driving!!!

It was an amazing, fun day! I wish we'd had more track time! I think our performance on the course would have improved dramatically with just a little more time to become more acquainted with the cars; but this goes without saying! I also had two people, one of them a Jaguar representative, ask me who I was writing for - I apparently looked like an automotive journalist for this event (not paparazzi, like so many other occasions - I'm so happy!).

Loved it! I can't wait to do another track day like it! Now we're looking into other events sponsored by Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others to experience more!

Washington Auto Show: 2013

It's become a New Year's automotive tradition of mine to see the Washington Auto Show every year, much like my annual Fall trip to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park to enjoy the car culture along Virginia's most scenic Autumn route. This year, just like the last, I brought only my beloved 85L II lens to take in the petroheads' art. I enjoy using a tight lens like the 85L because it forces me to be creative in creating new perspectives to an auto show that thousands of people photograph. It takes a lot of effort to get a full car shot using the 85L, and that's just part of the challenge... because that's what everyone else is shooting; do I really want that shot? How can I make it unique? I hope you enjoy my carporn from the 2013 Washington Auto Show! Bonus points if you can identify the cars from just their detail shots; leave your guesses in the comments section!

You can also see the entire set of photos at my Facebook Page here. Don't forget to LIKE my Page!

This Chrysler 300 has had a $10,000+ drop-top conversion done to it. It was for sale, and had a potential buyer place it on hold. The US Army also had a display, featuring a minesweeping Bobcat, and soldier launched UAVs. I wonder if anyone actually returns the drone in a conflict zone like the sticker asks, like a library card.

There were also some local celebrities on hand. DJ Flounder, known to the DC area from his time with DC101 on Elliot in the Morning, and Captain Planet! I also feel that the kid below was paying too much attention to the Maserati, and ignoring the awesome Chevy tow truck begging for attention just a few feet away. It had a Stingray on the back, for sale.

Jake and I also had the rare opportunity to demo Jaguar's latest model, the 2014 F-Type S: a 380HP roadster that aims to compete with Mercedes' SLK55 AMG and SL Series, and BMW's Z4 sDrive35is. It is also available with a 450HP Supercharged V8 engine. We found it very comfortable, and we enjoyed the envious looks of onlookers as we tried the vehicle out in the enclosed Jaguar display area.

I was also happy to see the direction Lincoln is continuing to move in. I truly hope to see them continue to recover and separate themselves as a retro-modern luxury brand. That being said, the Chevrolet Impala is a welcome sight with a refreshed yet understated look, but a rear end that reminds me of a VW Passat.