Photo Story

Photos: New hybrid-electric aircraft to boost regional connectivity

The ES-30 promises lower carbon emissions, operating costs, and maintenance needs than conventional aircraft.

Published: Jul 30, 2024 09:26 AM EST

Mrigakshi Dixit

a month ago

Artist's rendering of the hybrid-electric aircraft ES-30.

Heart Aerospace

Air travel has been a key to global connectivity, but it’s also a significant contributor to climate change. Aviation contributes around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, which majorly heats up the planet.

The rising demand for air travel necessitates an immediate shift towards sustainable options to mitigate the industry’s environmental impact.

Now, a Swedish startup is aiming to transform the industry with a sustainable solution.

Heart Aerospace is developing a hybrid-electric regional aircraft called the ES-30. It is being designed to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs while enhancing passenger experience.

The website describes it as “a clean-sheet hybrid-electric design engineered to reignite regional aviation.”

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Hybrid-electric system
The ES-30 boasts a unique hybrid-electric system. For shorter flights, it operates on pure electric power, delivering zero emissions. For longer distances, it switches to a hybrid mode, using turbo generators to extend its range. This innovative approach makes it suitable for a variety of routes. As per New Atlas, four electric propeller motors drive the aircraft, drawing power from either two aviation-fuel-burning turbo generators or BAE-Systems batteries, depending on flight distance.
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30 minutes charging time
ES-30 is designed for 30 passengers. In purely electric mode, the aircraft will be able to cover 200 kilometers (124 miles) after a 30-minute charge. By activating the generators at cruising altitude, the range increases to 400 kilometers (249 miles). Reducing passenger load to 25 people can boost this range to 800 kilometers (497 miles).
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Requires short runaways
Compared to traditional, noisy planes, this new electric aircraft is said to be significantly quieter. Interestingly, its electric motors also provide instant power, enabling takeoffs from short runways of just 1,100 meters (3,609 ft).
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Advancing regional connectivity
This means that the aircraft will be able to operate from smaller airports, opening up new possibilities for regional connectivity. The ES-30 can serve smaller communities, boosting local economies and tourism. Moreover, the ES-30 offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, providing passengers with a pleasant flight experience. It will be able to accommodate luggage of 25 kg.
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Company raised US$145 million
This sustainable aircraft concept has already attracted potential buyers, demonstrating strong industry support. Plus, Heart Aerospace has raised US$145 million in funding to advance this development. Reportedly, United Airlines, Air Canada, Saab, the European Investment Council, and Mesa Air Group are among the key financial backers of the project.
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To take off in 2028
Heart Aerospace has already secured orders for 250 aircraft, with options to purchase an additional 120 and expressions of interest for 191 more. The company anticipates all-electric flights as early as 2028. Notably, the first test flight of their full-scale aircraft, scheduled for next year, will be unmanned.
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Research and development hub in the US
In May, the Swedish company announced the opening of a research hub in Los Angeles to advance its ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft. The center will concentrate on developing the aircraft's propulsion system. The ES-30 represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future of aviation. By combining electric propulsion with traditional aviation technology, Heart Aerospace is paving the way for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel.