August 14, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Solar flying wing sets altitude record

LONDON, August 14, Graphic News: NASAÕs solar-powered flying wing soared past previous altitude records for non-rocket powered aircraft Monday, reaching 85,100 feet (25,938.5 metres), surpassing the all-time record.

The remotely controlled Helios Prototype -- an unmanned, solar-electric powered aircraft -- reached 81,100 feet five hours and 16 minutes after its 8:48 a.m. launch from the NavyÕs Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Seventeen minutes later the Helios broke the world record of 85,068 feet (25,928m), set by a Lockheed SR-71 aircraft in July 1976. 

ÒItÕs a real milestone of flight,Ó said NASA spokesman Alan Brown. ÒItÕs a landmark achievement, and especially to do it with a solar aircraft that is non-polluting. It is a triumph of technology in this area.Ó

Helios, a US$15 million, 247-foot (75-metre) flying wing is wider than a jumbo jet, but measures only eight feet (2.4 metres) front to back. It is controlled from the ground using desktop computers.

NASA officials have said the craft would eventually be able to stay aloft for months at a time, acting as a Òpoor manÕs satellite,Ó providing low-cost telecommunications, digital television service and high speed internet access in remote regions. It can also remain in one spot over the EarthÕs surface for extended periods.

Because it does not have to stay in orbit like a satellite, the Helios can easily be brought down for maintenance and payload changes.

It could also be used to monitor fisheries and forest resources, track hurricanes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions, and determine the readiness of crops for harvest. Because it cannot be detected by radar, it may also have military uses.

Helios was built by a partnership of NASA and AeroVironment Inc of California, which has produced many innovative aircraft including the human-powered Gossamer Albatross. 
/ENDS
Sources: NASA, Associated Press, Reuters