Photos: Soaring ambition for solar aircraft

A team of 70 people worked for more than six years performing the many calculations, simulations, and tests to complete the final aircraft. Construction of the Solar Impulse HB-SIA prototype began in June 2007 and further work will continue throughout the summer of 2009.

To build the prototype, a subteam of 50 specialists, aided by close to 100 external advisors, combined their knowledge and expertise. The plane had to be constructed to satisfy the needs of the designers, equipment suppliers, and pilots. Extensive research and testing were done in such areas as aerodynamics, energy efficiency, mechanical structure, manufacturing processes.

Here the entire Solar Impulse team lines up at the Dubendorf construction facility in which the Solar Impulse was assembled.