Jul 6 2015
Leaders of the company whose lightweight plastics, lubricants and binders help the Solar Impulse 2 stay aloft, today applauded completion of the most ambitious segment of the solar aircraft’s ‘round the world odyssey.
Pilot Andre Borschberg and Solar Impulse 2 arrived in Hawaii from Nagoya, Japan, after five days and nights of continuous flight without using a drop of fossil fuel. The landing marks the longest non-stop, solar-powered flight in aviation history and is the most challenging leg for the plane’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe, powered only by the sun.
As an original main partner in the Solar Impulse venture, Solvay developed new, lightweight technologies and applications to minimize weight and maximize energy efficiency on board the Solar Impulse 2.
“In many ways, Solar Impulse is a flying laboratory for new and existing lightweight technologies and other materials that can help to achieve breakthrough results in energy efficiency,” according to Claude Michel, Solvay’s Solar Impulse project manager. “It’s a remarkably successful mix of innovation and imagination.”
“We welcome Andre and the Solar Impulse 2 team to U.S. soil and we share the world’s acclaim for this aviation feat,” said George Corbin, president of Solvay Specialty Polymers’ North American operations and global vice president of research & technology. Solvay’s Specialty Polymers business unit produces most of the company’s 15 products that comprise more than 6,000 parts on Solar Impulse 2.
“Every Solvay employee around the world proudly shares in this celebration, knowing that Solvay innovations help to turn this seemingly impossible venture into a reality.” Corbin added, “We look forward to continuing today’s achievement as Solar Impulse 2 completes its ‘round the world mission to Phoenix and New York, and beyond in the weeks ahead.”
Source: http://www.solvay.com/