July 31, 2010 - Sion Power announced 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. 

?This flight represents a major accomplishment for Sion?s lithium sulfur technology, proving the viability of our high energy, rechargeable battery system.?

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.