Solar Impulse 2

The Solar Impulse 2, HB-SIB (msn 001), made its historic landing at JRF at 0555HST. The solar-powered aircraft touched down on Runway 4R after a five-day-plus journey across the Pacific Ocean from NKM [Komaki Airport, Nagoya, Japan]. We were on hand for its early-morning arrival along with local, national and international members of the media. The historic aircraft made orbits over JRF prior to landing (top photo).

Team member NAugusta shot close-up video of the Solar Impulse 2, and an interview with both pilots during the press conference event later in the morning.

Pilot André Borschberg waves to the media, support crew, and on-lookers as the Solar Impulse 2 is pushed to the ramp fronting Hangar 111.

Hōkūle‘a Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson (right) greets pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and André Borschberg, as one of the dignitaries greeting the Solar Impulse 2.

Pilots Piccard and Borschberg celebrate with a gold bottle of champagne and a wave, after Borschberg exited the cockpit.

The Solar Impulse 2 ground crew spun around the aircraft, and rolled it into Hangar 111 for its break in Hawai‘i.

Both pilots answer questions from reporters from around the globe.