Dassault Systèmes recently announced the renewal of its ongoing technical partnership with Solar Impulse SA and publicly committed itself to the next phases of the record-breaking, solar-powered, round the world airplane project. “It’s more than just an airplane, Solar Impulse is a message,” said Michel Tellier, VP, Aerospace & Defense Industry, Dassault Systèmes. The Solar Impulse project is showing the world that alternative, clean energy can be safe and viable in the most extreme circumstances.” Solar Impulse uses Dassault’s 3D EXPERIENCE platform, including its CATIA and ENOVIA applications, to design, build and validate the second solar airplane.
Solar Impulse 1 was a test bed for the incredibly complex new technologies required to fly day and night using solar energy alone. Solar Impulse 2 will carry the mission forward and fly around the world in 2015. “We had to be right the first time. We needed proven, cutting edge industry solutions to craft the experience for which we were looking. That’s why we went to DassaultSystèmes and its 3DEXPERIENCE platform,” said Bertrand Piccard, initiator, chairman and pilot, Solar Impulse.