Heart Aerospace Completes X1 Prototype First Flight

Heart Aerospace successfully flew its X1 battery-electric prototype aircraft yesterday. That prototype, while large, is a proof-of-concept rather than a production model. That model, however, can validate systems and performance expectations for the planned 30 seat hybrid-electric airliner now scheduled for 2031. [caption id="attachment_196630" align="aligncenter" width="640"] image: Heart Aerospace[/caption] What is important about this flight is the size of the prototype aircraft, which has a wingspan of 106 feet, an overall length of 76 feet, and a gross weight of more than 25,000 pounds at take-off. This is likely the largest-ever battery-electric aircraft flown to date, being significantly larger than the ill-fated Eviation Alice 9-seat aircraft. The X1 is a full-scale demonstrator close to Heart’s ES-30 production aircraft. It was designed to validate key technologies, aerodynamics, and flight performance as well as Heart’s organizational capabilities. The planned ES-30 will be a hybrid-electric aircraft, as opposed to the full battery-electric X1 prototype. Progress Finally Arrives for a Delayed Program Heart originally planned to fly the X1 prototype by mid-2025, but delays pushed the first flight to this year and initial operations after certification back from 2028-2031. The prototype flew for a total of 27 minutes from Heart’s facility at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. The aircraft reached 1,100 feet in altitude and delivered more than 1 megawatt of power. The flight utilized a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA in the experimental category that outlined a taxi, takeoff, climb, maneuvering, and landing profile that limited duration. The success of the flight was demonstrating that an all-electric flight could be conducted with an aircraft of size appropriate for regional operations. From a cost standpoint, the X1 used approximately $5 worth of electricity from its batteries for the 27 minute flight., quite a contrast with today’s $3.50 per gallon jet fuel prices. Anders Forslund, Founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, stated “with the first flight of X1, Heart Aerospace has demonstrated electric flight at the scale of a commercial airliner. Electric commercial aircraft have the potential to fundamentally reshape airline economics and, ultimately, lower the cost of air travel for passengers. This is at the heart of our vision for abundant air travel, with electrification enabling more affordable, frequent, and cleaner air service to and from airports closer to home” United and Air Canada Remain Strong Supporters “The first flight of X1 is a major technical achievement for Heart Aerospace, a company United has been proud to support,” said Michael Leskinen, Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines. “Electric commercial aircraft have real potential to deliver a better travel experience for passengers while strengthening our business, and we look forward to Heart’s continued development of the ES-30 and its potential future role in United’s network.”“The energy transition for aviation will require a range of solutions, from operational efficiencies to sustainable aviation fuels, and ultimately the development of new aircraft technologies,” said John Di Bert, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Air Canada. “Our investment in Heart Aerospace and the ES-30 reflects Air Canada’s commitment to supporting innovative technologies that have the potential to transform aviation. X1’s first flight is an important milestone in that journey, and we look forward to continuing to work with Heart Aerospace as the ES-30 program progresses and plays its part in the future of regional aviation.” The Bottom Line While Heart is still flying, there are a diminishing number of competitors seeking market entry in the regional aviation market. We’ve already seen Maeve Aerospace drop their program for the 76-100 passenger Maeve Jet in June, and a number of new entrants are facing financial difficulties. The success of this flight, the scale of the prototype and the continued support from potential customers bodes well for Heart and it's potential long-term success.

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