The American non-profit organization Helios Horizon has announced the successful testing of a manned electric aircraft equipped with solid-state batteries. These test flights took place on June 5th at the Zephyrhills airfield in Florida, with the project’s founder, Miguel Iturbe, at the controls. The team utilized a modified two-seater Pipistrel Taurus motor glider for this experiment, incorporating a new power unit and battery system.
A key accomplishment of this project was the substitution of conventional lithium-ion batteries with solid-state cells boasting an energy density of approximately 410 Wh/kg. For context, the aircraft previously operated with batteries that had an energy density of around 260 Wh/kg. The battery pack was manually assembled using cells sourced from the Asian market.
Solid-state batteries are regarded as a highly promising area for the advancement of electric aviation. Unlike conventional batteries, they employ a solid electrolyte rather than a liquid one, which mitigates fire risks and enhances resistance to overheating. Furthermore, the developers claim the capability for rapid charging, with an 80% charge achieved in under 15 minutes. Additional energy can be harvested during flight through solar panels and a regenerative braking system, where the propeller functions as a small generator during descent.
The initial flights were brief and served an evaluative purpose. Engineers assessed the impact of the new batteries on the aircraft’s weight, balance, and onboard system functionality. The tests concluded with the electronics and thermal control system performing without any issues.
The subsequent phase of the program will involve high-altitude testing, scheduled for the autumn. This same glider has previously reached altitudes of approximately 7,300 meters, and the team now aims to surpass the 12-kilometer mark, propelling the electric aircraft into the stratosphere. Should the project prove successful, it will represent a significant practical demonstration of solid-state battery adoption in aviation.
About the Author
