Solar-powered electric plane unofficially sets new altitude record: On August 12, 2025, a modified Elektra One reached 31,237 feet (9,521 m) in the skies over Switzerland. It conducted a five-hour, nine-minute flight completely under solar power.
https://newatlas.com/aircraft/solarstratos-solar-electric-plane-altitude-record/
3 Comments
Solar-powered electric plane unofficially sets new altitude record
Another air record has been (unofficially) broken as a prop-driven solar/electric aircraft reached the highest altitude yet for its type. On August 12, 2025, a modified Elektra One reached 31,237 feet (9,521 m) in the skies over Switzerland.
Taking off from Sion Airport with SolarStratos founder Raphaël Domjan at the controls, the aircraft registered as HB-SXA conducted a five-hour, nine-minute flight completely under solar power, with a two-hour ascent and a three-hour descent over the Valais Alps .
Weighing a mere 992 lb (450 kg), the aircraft had wings spanning 81.4 ft (24.8 m), which were covered with solar panels that powered a 43-bhp electric motor reportedly operating at 90% efficiency. A 20-kWh lithium-ion battery provided backup, giving the aircraft an estimated endurance of 24 hours.
This is very cool. The flight time will get even longer with increased efficiency. I wonder if it can be incorporated into future passenger jets.
I love that this plane advertised as an eco-friendly prototype has a bitcoin logo on the side.