The solar aircraft of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, has successfully carried out its first flight out of the Payerne aerodrome in Switzerland.
The single-seater aircraft is attempting to carry out the first solar-powered flight around the world in 2015 and has successfully completed its maiden flight in Payerne. For 2 hours and 17 minutes, test pilot Marcus Scherdel was able to trial the aircraft’s performance in the skies. I order to attain certification there will be several other flights taking place in the coming months.
André Borschberg, Solar Impulse Co-founder, CEO and pilot said;
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.