Congratulatory message to ' Solar Impulse'
Successful completion of 40,000 kilometers, 509 hours and 17 flights without fuel

Dassault Systèmes (www.3ds.com) sent a congratulatory message to the team behind the solar-powered plane 'Solar Impulse' for successfully completing a historic flight around the world without fuel.

The solar-powered plane 'Solar Impulse 2' has completed 17 flights and traveled 40,000 kilometers since it took flight on March 9, 2015, completing its world tour in Abu Dhabi today.

The Solar Impulse team used Engineered to Fly, an industry-specific solution based on Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, to create a solar-powered aircraft.

The Solar Impulse team was able to visually preview the aircraft’s operation in a realistic operating environment ahead of its record-breaking voyage, using applications that enabled 3D modeling of complex structures and components, digital simulation, and full data tracking, resulting in a successful circumnavigation of the globe on its first attempt.

Bernard Charlès, CEO of Dassault Systèmes, said: “It is a great privilege to witness the culmination of 12 years of design work and collaboration to build and fly an aircraft that many thought was impossible. “It’s truly an extraordinary experience,” he said. “The Solar Impulse team has dared to dream, pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation, and brought the spirit of imaginative pioneers to life around the world. I would like to congratulate pilots André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, and the entire Solar Impulse team, on their incredible achievement. They have demonstrated a sustainable solution not only for aviation, but for the future of our planet.”