Published: July 29, 2010
Sion Power's Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Power World Record Flight
TUCSON, Ariz. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sion Power announced today that their proprietary lithium sulfur (Li-S)
batteries played a critical role in the QinetiQ Zephyr smashing the
world record for the longest duration unmanned flight. A result of an
intensive joint development effort between Sion Power and QinetiQ, the
Zephyr flight exceeded 336 hours (14 days) of continuous flight,
significantly surpassing the previous official record of 30 hours 24
minutes set by Northrop Grumman's RQ-4A Global Hawk in March 2001. The
Zephyr's world record flight was completed on July 23, 2010 at the US
Army's Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Arizona.
The Zephyr, a solar/battery powered all electric UAV with a wing span of
70 feet (22.5 m) and a weight of just over 110 lbs. (50 kg), achieved
this remarkable record using a combination of solar power during the day
and Sion Power's Li-S batteries at night. After a ground launch, the
Zephyr flew to altitudes of up to 70,000 feet, where the UAV encountered
external temperatures as low as minus 75ºC.
The custom built Li-S battery pack was designed and assembled by Sion
Power in Tucson, Arizona. The battery utilized Sion's unique, high
specific energy Li-S cells which provide 350 Wh/kg, the highest
available for a rechargeable battery. The Li-S battery pack was
carefully engineered to minimize total pack weight. Advanced electronic
controls maintained the battery condition throughout the flight.
"This flight represents a major accomplishment for Sion's lithium sulfur
technology, proving the viability of our high energy, rechargeable
battery system," said Sion Power's CEO, Dr. Dennis Mangino.
Chris Kelleher, Zephyr's Chief Designer at QinetiQ, said, "The
performance of the Sion Li-S battery was tremendous. Sion Power's
contribution to Zephyr was a critical factor in achieving this historic
and record breaking flight."
An official from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the
world air sports federation, monitored the flight and is in the process
of confirming a number of new world records. This includes quadrupling
the Zephyr's previous unofficial world record for longest duration
unmanned flight, 82 hours, 37 minutes set in 2008. Zephyr will also have
flown longer, non-stop and without refueling, than any other airplane -
having significantly passed the Rutan Voyager milestone of 9 days (216
hours) 3 minutes and 44 seconds airborne, set in December 1986.
Once launched, Zephyr can remain above a general area for weeks, if not
months, at a time delivering vital capability at a fraction of the cost
of satellites and significantly more cost effectively than other
'conventionally powered' manned or unmanned aircraft. Zephyr also does
not need to return to base at regular intervals for re-fuelling or
servicing which helps minimize the logistical supply chain, extending
its operational capability and appeal. Its zero emissions also make it
exceptionally environmentally friendly.
About Sion Power:
Privately held Sion Power Corporation is
the global leader in the development of a new generation of high-energy,
rechargeable lithium sulfur batteries for UAV, military, portable power
and electric vehicle markets. Sion Power has assembled a world class
team of 62 employees dedicated to advancing Li-S battery technology. The
company has more than 100 U.S. and international patents and is
headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Further information is available at www.sionpower.com.
For more information on Zephyr:
http://www.qinetiq.com/home/newsroom/news_releases_homepage/2010/3rd_quarter/zephyr_-_14_days.html
Sion Power Corporation
John Kopera, Director of Commercial
Operations
520-799-7500
jkopera@sionpower.com
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