Dassault Systèmes Congratulates Solar Impulse on the Historic Completion of Global Journey

Dassault Systèmes congratulates the Solar Impulse team on the successful, historic completion of its round-the-world flight without fuel.  The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft landed in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2016, the original starting point of its 17-leg, 43,000-kilometer journey that began on March 9, 2015.

“What an extraordinary experience to have witnessed the culmination of this 12-year design project and collaborative effort to build and fly an aircraft that many thought impossible,” said Bernard Charlès, Vice Chairman & CEO, Dassault Systèmes.  “Daring to dream, pushing the limits of aviation, echoing the imaginative spirit of past pioneers… congratulations to pilots André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard and the entire Solar Impulse team for this milestone achievement—not just in aviation,but in demonstrating sustainable solutions for the future of our planet.Passion for innovation makes possible the impossible.”

The Solar Impulse team used “Engineered to Fly,” the dedicated industry solution experience based onDassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform,to create its solar-powered aircraft.  Applications for 3D modeling of complex structures and composites, digital simulation and full data traceability enabled them to virtually experience theaircraft in its operating environment before it embarked on its record-setting voyage, and be successful with the first attempt