Last Flight of the Helios Prototype, 2003
Seconds after uncontrollable pitch oscillations and overspeed conditions led to multiple structural failures, the Helios Prototype solar-electric aircraft is shown falling toward the Pacific Ocean, trailed by lightweight debris streaming from the shattered aircraft. A small parachute deployed behind the left wing is part of the aircraft's emergency flight termination system. The Helios Prototype achieved the first of the two goals by reaching an unofficial world-record altitude of 96,863 feet and sustaining flight above 96,000 feet for more than 40 minutes. The Helios Prototype is a remotely piloted flying wing aircraft developed under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. The two primary goals of the Helios Prototype development are to demonstrate sustained flight at an altitude near 100,000 feet and flying non-stop for at least 24 hours, including at least 14 hours above 50,000 feet.
Size: 4650px × 3030px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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