Solid-state battery electric plane tested for the first time carrying people

Test pilot Miguel Iturmendi, founder of Helios Horizon, performed a series of short flights at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, central Florida, earlier this month. According to Interesting Engineeringthe aircraft in test was a glider model with a Pipistrel Taurus engine, equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 260 Wh/kg. However, it is modified to operate on a solid-state battery with a capacity of 410 Wh/kg.

According to Helios Horizon, the new battery is smaller than traditional lithium-ion batteries in today’s electric vehicles but has 60-80% higher energy density. Solid-state batteries replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials, increasing thermal stability as well as resistance to physical damage. The battery can draw power from a standard AC power source without the need for a dedicated charging infrastructure. During flight, the aircraft can supplement energy thanks to the integrated solar panel system, or operate the propellers like a wind turbine when engine propulsion is not needed.

The new solid-state battery can be charged from nearly empty to 80% capacity in less than 15 minutes. Helios Horizon aims to increase energy density by about 40% over the next two years.

“For the first time, we have battery technology that delivers the range and charging times needed to make commercial electric aviation possible, while also ensuring the safety that passengers demand,” Iturmendi said. Energy regeneration techniques, including gliding and spinning propellers during descent, “can significantly increase range,” he added.

A Helios Horizon spokesman said they assemble their own battery packs from solid-state battery cells purchased from several suppliers, but declined to be named citing confidentiality reasons. The organization also does not disclose the chemical composition, including electrolytes and electrode materials, of the cells.

Theo RobbReportthe test flights earlier this month were mainly intended to test the vehicle’s weight and balance after the battery was installed. Helios Horizon estimates that the new energy system works better than expected when operating continuously, but does not reveal specific parameters about flight range or maximum speed.

The research team is planning a flight to the stratosphere later this year, aiming for an altitude of over 12,100 m – beyond the normal level of passenger aircraft. Iturmendi believes that solid-state batteries will allow these tasks to be performed on a single charge. He once shared with Aviation International News, The main technical challenge with electric flight in the stratosphere is heat dissipation of the propulsion system, which is difficult to do in the thin air aloft.

Aerospace Global News Evaluation, modern electric motors have good performance and reliability, and the mechanical structure is also simple compared to traditional aircraft engines. However, the real challenge lies in storing enough energy on board.

For decades, the capabilities of electric aircraft, which often use lithium-ion batteries similar to those used in electric vehicles, have been limited. Although it operates smoothly, this type of battery causes concerns about flight range, charging time, and performance. This is why solid-state batteries are expected to make a difference.

Helios Horizon reaches a new milestone as aerospace companies and organizations continue to explore ways to reduce emissions. Heart Aerospace (Sweden) is developing the ES-30 hybrid electric aircraft, which combines battery power with a backup power generation system, allowing for increased range while retaining some of the benefits of electrification. NASA has also spent years researching electric propulsion systems with programs like the X-57 Maxwell, helping researchers better understand the performance of electric motors, batteries and electrical systems in aviation environments.