Innovative lightweight battery for commercial electric aircraft will enable efficient regional air travel
BAE Systems, a leading aerospace and defense company, and Heart Aerospace, a Swedish electric aircraft manufacturer, have announced a partnership to define the battery system for Heart’s ES-30 regional electric aircraft.
The battery will be the first of its kind to be integrated into a conventional electric takeoff and landing (eCTOL) regional aircraft, allowing it to operate efficiently with zero emissions and low noise.
“Our industry-leading solution builds on decades of experience in delivering the technologies and systems needed to advance sustainable transportation,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager, Control Solutions and Avionics, BAE Systems. “We are very pleased to collaborate with Heart Aerospace on the innovative battery system for their electric airplane.”
The program will benefit from BAE Systems’ more than 25 years of experience in heavy industrial vehicle electrification. Work on the program will be conducted at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Endicott, New York. The company currently has more than 15,000 power and propulsion systems in operation worldwide.
“BAE Systems’ extensive experience in developing batteries for heavy ground applications and its expertise in developing safety-critical control systems for the aerospace industry make the company an ideal partner in this important step for ES-30 and the aviation industry,” said Sofia Graflund, chief operating officer of Heart Aerospace. “We look forward to decarbonizing air travel together.”
The ES-30 aircraft will be powered by four electric motors and has an all-electric range of 200 kilometers, an extended hybrid reserve range of 400 kilometers with 30 passengers, and the ability to fly up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers.
The ES-30 will also be able to develop further, getting a cost-effective and scalable upgrade as battery technology matures. The battery upgrade possibilities allow for an increase in usable power at the same weight, resulting in longer flight times and expanded route options.
Heart Aerospace has a total of 230 orders and 100 options for the ES-30, along with a letter of intent for an additional 108 aircraft.