Dassault, Solar Impulse Collaborate to Create Solar-Powered Plane

Dassault Systèmes and Solar Impulse have extended their partnership to continue research and development of a solar-powered airplane. The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft was launched in April and completed its first successful test flight of June 2014.

To design the aircraft, Solar Impulse uses the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to design, build and validate its designs. The first iteration was a test bed for the technologies required to fly with solar power during day and night. The goal of the second plane is to prepare for and complete a flight around the world this year.

The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft. Image courtesy of Dassault Systemes.

“For over a century, pioneers have been pushing the limits of aviation and transforming ideas into ‘firsts,’ from the first human flight to balloon flights and space missions once thought to be impossible,” said André Borschberg, co-founder, CEO and pilot, Solar Impulse. “We continue to apply this entrepreneurial spirit to engineering and research programs that blend 21^st century technologies like the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with a mission to improve mankind’s impact on the environment.”

For more information, visit Dassault Systèmes and Solar Impulse.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.