Heart Aerospace X1 Cleared for Test Flights, Set to Become Largest Electric Aircraft
Heart Aerospace's X1, a full-scale demonstrator for the ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft, has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, allowing test flights to begin immediately. The X1, with a 106-foot wingspan and takeoff weight over 25,000 pounds, will be the largest electric plane ever flown, surpassing a modified Cessna Caravan 208B. The ES-30, designed for 30 passengers on regional routes, features hybrid propulsion and a 124-mile all-electric range. Certification is targeted for 2031.
Key facts
- Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator cleared for test flights by FAA
- FAA issued Special Airworthiness Certificate in Experimental Category
- X1 has 106-foot wingspan and takeoff weight over 25,000 pounds
- X1 will be largest electric aircraft ever flown
- Previous record held by modified Cessna Caravan 208B (2020)
- ES-30 production model carries 30 passengers on short-haul flights
- ES-30 has all-electric range of 124 miles, hybrid range up to 497 miles
- Certification and service entry planned for 2031
Entities
Institutions
- Heart Aerospace
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Robb Report
Locations
- Plattsburgh International Airport
- New York
- United States
- California
- Washington State