Helios Horizon Completes World's First Crewed Solid-State Battery Flight

The Helios Horizon aircraft, piloted by Miguel Iturmendi, completed what its developers claim to be the world's first crewed, fixed-wing flight powered by solid-state batteries on June 5. The flights, conducted at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport in Florida, consisted of a series of short tests designed to validate the aircraft's weight and balance following the installation of the new battery technology.

The new solid-state cells boast an energy density of 410 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram), representing a 60% improvement over the aircraft's previous lithium-ion pack, which delivered 260 Wh/kg. Chief test pilot and company founder Miguel Iturmendi anticipates a further 40% increase in this figure within the next two years.

The aircraft's battery pack supports versatile charging, capable of being topped up via any standard AC outlet without requiring specialized infrastructure. Additionally, fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to reach 80% capacity in under 15 minutes. The Helios Horizon also incorporates in-flight energy recovery systems, utilizing wing-mounted solar panels and a regenerative system that transforms the propeller into a wind turbine during glides and descents to extend its range.

Originally a Pipistrel Taurus motorized glider, the Helios Horizon has been modified by Iturmendi's team with proprietary battery management, a custom propulsion stack, thermodynamic controls, and solar panel wing extensions. The aircraft currently holds the world altitude record for electric planes in its weight class, having reached 24,000 ft (7,315 m). Future plans include stratospheric flights later this year, with a target altitude of 40,000 ft (12,192 m), aiming for commercial cruising altitude.

(Source: Slashdot)