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Updated Jul 6, 2015

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Solar Impulse breaks record

Solar Impulse, the solar-powered aeroplane currently flying around the world, has broken the record for the longest solo flight in a plane which has not been refuelled.

During one of the biggest parts of its journey, the solar plane travelled across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Hawaii without stopping. The plane was in the air for five days straight and required its pilot, Andre Borschberg, to be alert and at the controls almost around the clock.

The world record was broken when the flight passed the 76 hour mark, although the final record is much closer to 118 hours.

The Solar Impulse plane is designed to showcase the capabilities of solar power as an alternative and renewable fuel. In addition, Mr Borschberg alongside the plane's other pilot, Bertrand Piccard, have used various stops around the world to spread the word about clean technologies.


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