Swedish aviation company Heart Aerospace has reached a significant milestone with the unveiling of its first full-scale demonstrator aircraft. This marks a major step forward in the development of the ES-30, a 30-seat regional hybrid-electric aircraft.
The aircraft was constructed entirely in-house at Heart’s Gothenburg facilities. It highlights the company’s unique approach of simultaneously developing both design and production processes. This strategy is crucial in accelerating the introduction of net-zero aerospace technologies.
Swedish aviation company Heart Aerospace has taken a significant stride towards decarbonizing the aviation industry. It has now unveiled of its first full-scale demonstrator airplane. This marks a major milestone in the development of the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric aircraft. The aircraft is specifically designed to reduce emissions and improve sustainability on short-haul routes.
The Heart X1 demonstrator
Built entirely in-house at Heart’s Gothenburg facilities, the demonstrator showcases the company’s innovative approach to aircraft development. By simultaneously developing both design and production processes, Heart is able to accelerate the introduction of net-zero aerospace technologies. This strategy is crucial in addressing the urgent need to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact.
Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace spoke of present industry challenges. “Our industry faces a 30-year innovation challenge, and we have less than 25 years to decarbonize aviation. By developing new methods, we can bring net-zero technologies to market faster.”
the company has named the demonstrator aircraft Heart X1. It will now serve as a platform for rigorous testing and development of the ES-30 aircraft. Initially, it will undergo ground-based testing, focusing on charging operations, taxiing, and turnaround procedures. A fully electric first flight is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Grants from the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova, support the development of the Heart X1. This shows the importance of collaboration between government and industry in advancing aviation technologies.
“Developing innovative net-zero propulsion technologies requires a revolution in product development and manufacturing,” said Ben Stabler, chief technology officer at Heart Aerospace. “We’re building a data-driven assembly line with high repeatability, automation, and non-destructive inspection.”
Looking Ahead: Heart X2
Heart’s next step is the construction of a pre-production prototype, the Heart X2. This will further refine design and production methods based on lessons learned from the Heart X1. Heart Aerospace will demonstrate its Independent Hybrid propulsion system in a hybrid flight with the Heart X2 in 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the company a clearance to develop a management system for hybrid-electric propulsion. This momentum will continue with the establishment of a pilot manufacturing plant to accelerate prototyping and ultimately achieve type certification for the ES-30 by the end of the decade.
A regional hybrid-electric airplane designed for short-haul routes, the ES-30, is under development. With an electric zero-emission range of 200 kilometers and an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometers, it offers unparalleled sustainability and efficiency. By reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, the ES-30 has the potential to significantly contribute to the aviation industry’s transition to a more sustainable future.
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