The largest electric-powered aircraft in the history of world aviation will soon take to the skies
1 644

The largest electric-powered aircraft in the history of world aviation will soon take to the skies

As it became known, the Swedish company Heart Aerospace is preparing to carry out the first test flight of a full-size prototype of its all-electric passenger airliner Heart X1 early next year. This aircraftDesigned to accommodate 30 passengers, it is the largest electric-powered aircraft ever built.


The result of five years of work


The company has been working on plans to transform regional aviation for five years now. During that time, at least $145 million has been spent on developing innovative technologies that power Heart's electric traction.

The largest electric-powered aircraft in the history of world aviation will soon take to the skiesHeart X1 is the largest electric passenger aircraft to date. Photo: YouTube.com

A fully functional prototype of the Heart X1 with a wingspan of 32 meters was presented back in September. The final stage of preparation for the first test flight of the electric aircraft is currently underway. Bench tests of critical systems and units responsible for a safe and successful flight are underway.

Testing will reportedly take place at the international airport of Plattsburgh, New York. The choice in favor of this air harbor is primarily due to the minimal density of air traffic.

As for the flight range of the prototype, the manufacturer has not yet disclosed any details. Therefore, it is difficult to guess whether this figure will correspond to the declared 200 km of purely electric capabilities of the ES-30 model.

Equipment for small airports


To get airborne, a commercial airliner needs a runway up to 1100 m long. The aircraft is equipped with high-torque electric motors and turboprops, and will also receive a hybrid installation, thanks to which it will be able to cover a distance of almost 400 km.

Heart X1 is designed to carry 30 passengers. Photo: YouTube.com

At first glance, this is not very much, but the company does not seek to compete with large carriers. They primarily expect to resolve the issue of organizing routes between small regional airports whose area does not exceed 1 hectare and where communication is not well established.

Other contenders for success


Heart Aerospace is not the only company whose main goal is to organize environmentally friendly commercial flights. There is also, for example, Swiss startup ZeroAvia. They are working on a hydrogen-electric hybrid amphibious aircraft, which is planned to operate in island regions.

Inside the Heart X1 cockpit. Photo: YouTube.com

Dutch Elysian is also developing a battery-powered passenger jet. It will seat 90 people and is said to be inspired by the designs of 60s aircraft. The new model will have a small fuselage and long, low-slung wings.

At the same time, not long ago, company representatives reported that the main difficulties, such as time spent on charging the battery and integrating the propeller with the wing, have been successfully resolved. If this is not a "hatred", then they will probably manage to meet the previously specified deadlines and lift their aircraft into the sky by 2033.


On pure electricity, the Heart X1 can fly up to 200 km, with a hybrid system – up to 400. Photo: YouTube.com

Heart, for its part, promises to present the Heart X2026, equipped with the company's "Independent Hybrid Engine" system, in 2 based on the results of the upcoming tests. The company plans to carry out its first commercial flight in 2028.
How do you assess the prospects for the electrification of aviation?
  • Lilu
  • www.youtube.com
Our news channels

Subscribe and stay up to date with the latest news and the most important events of the day.

We recommend for you