Centennial, Colorado / Sion, Switzerland – 14 July 2025 — In a landmark demonstration of electric aviation’s real-world potential, Swiss-based H55 has successfully completed a series of high-density altitude, high-temperature test flights in Colorado using the Bristell B23 Energic. The event formed part of the company’s Across USA Tour and showcased the aircraft’s superior operational performance under some of the most demanding environmental conditions in general aviation.
Electric Flight in Extreme Conditions
Operating from an airfield at 5,800 feet above sea level, with temperatures soaring to 36°C and a takeoff density altitude of 9,500 feet, the B23 Energic delivered stable, efficient climbs of 500 feet per minute using normal runway lengths. In conditions that typically challenge combustion-powered aircraft, H55’s electric propulsion system (EPS) performed flawlessly, without any performance degradation or thermal instability.
“Colorado offers one of the most demanding environments for aviation,” noted Gregory Blatt, Co-Founder and Mission Director at H55. “This stop gives us a chance to demonstrate how electric propulsion is not only sustainable, but also operationally consistent in conditions previously considered restrictive for many aircraft types.”
A First for Colorado
Adding to the success of the tour stop, Centennial Flyers, a prominent local flight school based at Centennial Airport (KAPA), signed a Letter of Intent to adopt the B23 Energic. This marks the first formal commitment to electric aviation in the state of Colorado and underscores the growing demand for certified, sustainable aircraft in the U.S. training sector.
Answering the Big Questions
The Colorado demonstration addressed key concerns often raised about electric flight:
- Can electric aircraft operate in high-density altitude environments? The B23 Energic performed with stability and consistent climb rates in hot and thin air, confirming its adaptability.
- How does high heat impact performance? H55’s EPS and battery system operated well within nominal thermal limits, with ambient temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), proving the reliability of the system even in extreme heat.
Driving Forward Sustainable Training
The Bristell B23 Energic is specifically designed to meet the needs of modern flight training—offering zero-emission operations, minimal noise, and low vibration. As airports and schools face tightening environmental regulations, the B23 Energic provides a ready-made solution with climate resilience built in.
Next Stop: Oshkosh
Following the success in Colorado, H55’s Across USA Tour heads to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. The electric pioneer will participate in the Electric Aircraft Symposium (19–20 July), followed by the airshow (21–27 July), with a joint H55/Bristell press conference scheduled for 22 July at 11:00 AM CST, Booths 296–297.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: H55
