Solar Impulse

Sun-Powered Airplane Completes Historic Trip Around The World

11:07am July 26, 2016

by Bill Chappell

"This is not only a first in the history of aviation; it's before all a first in the history of energy," Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard says. His plane flew more than 26,700 miles without using fuel.

The Solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft prepares to take off from the Cairo International Airport in the Egyptian capital on Sunday as it heads to Abu Dhabi on the final leg of its world tour.

Experimental Plane Sets Off On Final Leg Of Its Round-The-World Journey

3:29pm July 24, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

It's the first time for a solar-powered plane to circumnavigate the globe. Now it's en route to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — and you can watch the journey in a live video from the cockpit.

Solar Impulse 2, the solar powered plane, flies above Giza Pyramids as it finishes its penultimate flight, landing in Egypt on Wednesday.

World News

PHOTOS: Experimental Solar Plane Flies Over Egypt's Giza Pyramids

2:26pm July 13, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Egypt is the last stop before Solar Impulse 2 finishes its round-the-world journey in the United Arab Emirates. The team is aiming to raise awareness about clean energy.

Solar Impulse 2, piloted by Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard, prepares to land in Seville, Spain, on Thursday.

'Beautiful Flight' Across The Atlantic Is Major Milestone For Solar Plane

5:07pm June 23, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

After 71 hours and 8 minutes of flight time crossing the Atlantic, Solar Impulse 2 touched down in Spain. It's a big step toward the goal of circumnavigating the globe using only the sun's power.

Queue Listen Now

The Solar Impulse 2, piloted by Bertrand Piccard, takes off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Monday, starting a four-day journey to Southern Spain.

A Trans-Atlantic Flight Without Fuel: Solar Impulse Leaves New York On Ambitious Trip

12:20pm June 20, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The Solar Impulse 2 plane is being flown across the Atlantic Ocean on a four-day trip to Spain. The solar-powered craft took off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport early Monday.

Solar Impulse 2, the solar airplane of Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and Ande Borschberg, in preparation for the take off from Tulsa International Airport, Oklahoma on Saturday.

Solar Airplane Attempting To Circumnavigate The Globe Takes Off From Tulsa, Okla.

2:14pm May 21, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Solar Impulse 2, the experimental plane attempting to fly around the world using only the sun's power, is heading toward Dayton, Ohio on the latest leg of its journey.

Spectators turned out to watch the Solar Impulse 2 solar airplane land at Phoenix Goodyear Airport on Monday night.

Solar Airplane Lands In Phoenix After Flight From Silicon Valley

10:33am May 03, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The 745-mile trip took nearly 16 hours — less time than expected, largely due to powerful tailwinds.

Solar Impulse 2 pilots Bertrand Piccard (right) and Andre Borschberg celebrate after Piccard landed their solar-powered plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif., on Saturday.

Experimental Solar-Powered Plane Completes Journey Across The Pacific

8:39am April 24, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Solar Impulse 2 flew for three days from Hawaii to Calif., after a nine month delay for repairs. The team is aiming to complete a round-the-world journey using only the sun's power.

The Solar Impulse 2 airplane, piloted by Bertrand Piccard, gains altitude after taking off from Kalaeloa Airport in Kapolei, Hawaii during a test and training flight in April.

Experimental Solar-Powered Plane Takes Flight After 9-Month Delay

1:13pm April 21, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Solar Impulse 2 is attempting to circumnavigate the world using only the sun's power. It has been grounded in Hawaii for maintenance and is now on a three day journey heading to California.

The Solar Impulse 2 airplane, piloted by Bertrand Piccard, takes off from Kalaeloa Airport in Kapolei, Hawaii, on April 9 for a test and training flight.

After 9-Month Delay, Record-Breaking Solar Plane Prepares For Liftoff

6:38pm April 14, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The Solar Impulse 2 is preparing to resume its flight around the world. It's aiming to be the first plane to make the journey powered only by the sun.