USA: Record-breaking Solar Impulse 2 touches down in Hawaii

The Solar Impulse 2 landed in Kalaeloa Airport Hawaii, Friday, after it completed the record-breaking 8,000 kilometre (4,970 miles) solar-powered, non-stop solo flight across the Pacific Ocean. Pilot Andre Borschberg stated the goal of the trip was "to demonstrate the potential of solar energy". Borschberg was greeted by his Solar Impulse project partner, Bertrand Piccard. The pair share flying duties in their mission to use the plane to circumvent the globe. The quest began in Abu Dhabi in March this year. Mr. Piccard will now take over flying duties, taking the plane from Hawaii to Arizona. Both the distance covered by the plane and the time it spent in the air - 118 hours - are historic records for manned, solar powered flight. The Solar Impulse 2 is powered by 17,248 photovoltaic cells and has a wingspan larger than that of a jumbo jet 72m (236 feet).