Bertrand Piccard’s team had successfully pulled off the first Solar Impulse night flight without fuel
Solar Impulse has just passed its first major test with flying colors: a 25-hour day and night flight without any fuel. The sun’s first rays recharged the batteries, allowing the plane to keep on flying for another 24 hours.
On, July 7, having input the latest technical and weather data to ensure the flight passed off without a hitch, the Solar Impulse took off to land the next day, on July 8 in Payerne, Switzerland, thereby succeeding in the ultimate challenge to keep flying at night without a single drop of fuel. This accomplishment proved that a 24-hour flight was possible, but also laid the groundwork for the next milestone, the 36-hour flight, since the plane had enough energy stored on landing to keep flying, thanks in part to favorable weather conditions.
Altran and the Solar Impulse
Altran is the Official Engineering Partner of the Solar Impulse.
Altran at the heart of the Solar Impulse challenge. The Altran and Solar Impulse relationship has taken shape from a meeting of enthusiasts who have pooled their expertise and drive, turning a dream into reality. Since 2003, Altran, the European leader in innovation consulting, has become involved in the Solar Impulse adventure as an official partner, with determination and enthusiasm alongside Bertrand Piccard, André Borschberg and their teams.
