Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of electric aircraft, will work with BAE Systems to create a battery system for its ES-30 model.
Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of electric aircraft, and BAE Systems, a major aerospace and defence firm, announced a partnership to define the battery system for Heart’s ES-30 regional electric aircraft. It will be the first battery of its kind to be incorporated into an electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) regional aircraft, enabling it to function effectively with no emissions and little noise.
“Our industry-leading solution builds on decades of expertise delivering technologies and systems needed to progress sustainable transportation,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “We are delighted to collaborate with Heart Aerospace on the innovative battery system for its electric airplane,” he further added.
The initiative will make use of BAE Systems’ more than 25 years of experience with electrifying big, heavy-duty industrial vehicles. Over 15,000 power and propulsion systems from the business are currently in use all over the world. The programme will be worked on at the business’ cutting-edge location in Endicott, New York.
“BAE Systems’ extensive experience in developing batteries for heavy-duty ground applications, and their experience in developing safety critical control systems for aerospace, makes them an ideal partner in this important next step for the ES-30 and for the aviation industry,” said Sofia Graflund, chief operating officer at Heart Aerospace. “We look forward to decarbonizing air travel together,” she further added.
Four electric engines will power the ES-30 aircraft, which can travel 200 kilometers on electricity alone, 400 kilometers on an extended reserve hybrid with 30 passengers, and 800 kilometers with 25 passengers. As upcoming battery technology develops, the ES-30 will also have an affordable and scalable upgrade route.
The battery upgrade roadmap enables more usable energy to be produced at the same weight, extending flight times and providing more route choices. Heart Aerospace has received 230 orders for the ES-30 in total, along with 100 options and a statement of intent for an additional 108 aircraft.
