Solar Impulse 2 succeeds in first flight test

Payerne, Switzerland – Solar Impulse 2, the solar aircraft of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, has carried out its first flight out of the Payerne aerodrome in Switzerland. 

The single-seat aircraft, with which Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are attempting to carry out the first solar-powered flight around the world in 2015, has successfully completed its maiden flight. For two hours and 17 minutes, professional test pilot Marcus Scherdel was able to trial the aircraft’s performance in the skies. 

The initial results are in line with calculations and simulations. There will be several other flights taking place in the coming months in order for this experimental machine to attain certification. 

“This inaugural flight is an important stage - a step closer towards the round-the-world flight. It is also a huge emotional step for the entire team and all our partners who have worked on the aircraft. Si2 incorporates a vast amount of new technology to render it more efficient, reliable and in particular better adapted to long haul flights. It is the first aircraft which will have almost unlimited endurance,” says André Borschberg, Solar Impulse co-founder, CEO, and pilot. 

Flight report:
Pilot: Markus Scherdel
Take-off time: June 2, 2014, 5:36 a.m. CET
Landing time: June 2, 2014, 7:53a.m. CET
Highest altitude reached: 1,670m (5,500 ft)
Average ground speed: 55.6kmh (30 kt)

Source: Solar Impulse