Heart Aerospace unveils full-scale demonstrator aircraft
Heart Aerospace has unveiled its first full-scale demonstrator prototype of its ES30 hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Built almost entirely in-house at Heart’s Gothenburg facilities, the 32m wingspan demonstrator has been named Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1).
“Our industry is approaching a 30-year innovation cycle, and we have less than 25 years to decarbonise aviation. We need to develop new methods to get net zero aerospace technologies to market faster,” said Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. “It is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our team that we’re able to roll out a 30-seat aircraft demonstrator with a brand-new propulsion system, largely in-house, in less than two years. “
Initially, the HX-1 will be used for ground-based testing, focusing on charging operations, taxiing and turnaround procedures. After a series of critical system hardware tests, HX-1 is scheduled to undertake a fully electric first flight in the second quarter of 2025.
The Swedish aircraft maker has also filed two EU design applications and one patent application for a new nacelle integration design that allows the ES-30 to operate on shorter runways.
“This innovation reflects Heart’s strategy to simultaneously develop both the aircraft’s design and the production process, ensuring rapid innovation and ability to adapt to changes,” said Forslund.
In contrast to the most widespread designs, that locate the nacelle under the wing, Heart’s solution is centred on the wing.The design minimises the aerodynamic interference between the nacelle and wing, allowing for a higher angle of attack and delaying stall. This improves lift generation during both cruise and landing phases, giving the ability to fly at lower speeds.
Ben Stabler, chief technology officer at Heart Aerospace, said: “Our new nacelle integration design will be manufactured in-house, using automated composite technology, and incorporated on Heart’s upcoming airplane prototype, the Heart X-2.”
Meanwhile the firm announced today that AirAsia has joined Heart’s industry advisory board. Asia’s fourth largest airline will provide strategic guidance and oversight on the ES-30 aircraft programme through to service entry.
“At AirAsia, we are committed to exploring new technologies that align with our focus on operational efficiency and sustainability,” said Captain Chester Voo, Deputy CEO (Airline Operations) at AirAsia Aviation Group. “While electric and hybrid-electric aircraft are still nascent in Asia, they represent a compelling future for sustainable air travel. We look forward to contributing our aviation experience and insights from this dynamic region to Heart Aerospace’s pioneering work.”
Heart also just completed a series of ground support procedure tests for electric aircraft alongside airlines Braathens Regional Airlines, SAS, and airport operator Swedavia.
The tests were conducted as part of the Swedish research project ELISE, a three-stage initiative which brings together tech firms with airlines and airports to encourage electric aviation infrastructure development in Sweden.
Simon Reinberth, Airport Infrastructure Manager at Heart Aerospace, said: “Commercial customers are eager to reduce operational costs and decarbonise their fleets, but they face a set of complex challenges, such as which plug standard to install and how to bring megawatts of power to remote facilities. We are working closely with industry advisors through the ELISE project to ensure we meet these specific needs. By collaborating with experts, we aim to create an infrastructure tailored for electric aircraft and the airport.”
