Helios Horizon Team Claims Altitude Record for Electric Aircraft

The Helios Horizon flight team flew a modified electric powered glider to nearly 16,000 feet in Nevada last week to claim a record for battery-powered aircraft under 500 kilograms. [Screenshot of video/Credit: Helios Horizon]

The Helios Horizon flight team, which pursues aviation performance records for electric-powered aircraft, said its modified glider set a world record for altitude on Friday near the Tahoe-Minden Airport (KMEV).

The group said its aircraft set an altitude record of nearly 16,000 feet for electric aircraft weighing less than 500 kilograms. According to an observer from the National Aeronautic Association, the previous mark was 10,000 feet.

Pilot Miguel Iturmendi has previously helped develop advanced, record-setting aircraft including the Solar Impulse, which circumnavigated the globe in 2016. Iturmendi said he recently flew the Helios Horizon aircraft to 20,000 feet, but without an official NAA observer, the record could not be validated.

The NAA, which oversees and validates record-setting attempts, plans to review data and complete the validation process before releasing an official report regarding the record.

altitude Electric Aircraft Helios Horizon Miguel Iturmend NAA National Aeronautic Association record setting

Jonathan WelshAuthor

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4