Dübendorf, 26 June 2009 - An innovative and pioneering vision has finally become reality: Solar Impulse’s first airplane, the HB-SIA, designed to fly both day and night, was inaugurated today to the awe of its spectators.

An innovative vision led two men, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, to embark in a project that would prove how the courage to take risks, blended with an informed exploitation of the latest technologies, can provide solutions for the future. In 2001, thanks to this reflection, the two pioneers inspired a group of technicians and engineers to join forces and launch a feasibility study in the hope of developing the world’s first solar airplane capable of flying through the night.

The 800 people present at this historical event were not disappointed. After an introductory speech by the two visionaries and a presentation of the hands and brains behind its realization, the curtains were finally lifted and the HB-SIA prototype was unveiled.

After seven years of hard work the HB-SIA solar aircraft prototype has been presented to the world: let the test flights begin!

The first official presentation of the HB-SIA prototype aircraft will take place on 26 June at Dübendorf close to Zürich. Just 3 months left to go, and a host of parts still to manufacture and build in until our wing looks like the horizontal stabilizer you see on the photo... Lots of pressure on the team, lots of stress, but what excitement seeing the aircraft finally take shape bit by bit after 5 years of development work!