{"id":296737,"date":"2026-04-16T13:41:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/?p=296737"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:41:53","slug":"local-innovation-takes-flight-at-vc-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/local-innovation-takes-flight-at-vc-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Local innovation takes flight at VC opener"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Cloudline's
Innovation from Stellenbosch soared above the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup at the opening match between FNB Maties and FNB UFS Shimlas in February. Cloudline’s revolutionary Sc-240 airship made rugby history, becoming the first solar-powered aircraft to grace a match in South Africa. A groundbreaking aircraft of its kind, developed by the Stellenbosch-based company, it showcases world-leading sustainable aviation technology. Powered by solar-recharged batteries and helium, it operates for more than 10 hours with zero emissions, a testament to South African engineering 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from Stellenbosch soared above the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup at the opening match between FNB Maties and FNB UFS Shimlas in February. Cloudline's revolutionary Sc-240 airship made rugby history, becoming the first solar-powered aircraft to grace a match in South Africa. A groundbreaking aircraft of its kind, developed by the Stellenbosch-based company, it showcases world-leading sustainable aviation technology. Powered by solar-recharged batteries and helium, it operates for more than 10 hours with zero emissions, a testament to South African engineering excellence. 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