Solar Plane Begins Transatlantic Stretch Of Global Journey

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NEW YORK (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - A solar-powered airplane has begun its Transatlantic flight on the latest leg of its globe-circling voyage.

The Swiss-made Solar Impulse 2 took off from New York City early Sunday morning.

Bertrand Piccard, who is piloting the aircraft, left at 2:30 a.m. from John F. Kennedy International Airport and will be landing in Seville Airport in Spain over three days later.

The Solar Impulse 2's wings, which stretch wider than those of a Boeing 747, are equipped with 17,000 solar cells that power propellers and charge batteries. The plane runs on stored energy at night.

The trip began in March 2015 from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Stops were made in Oman, Myanmar, China and Japan.

The plane traveled over Texas on its way from Arizona to Oklahoma back in May. It crossed the Lone Star State just north of Amarillo.

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