What Happened
Electric Propulsion Takes Major Leap With Successful Test
Heart Aerospace’s X1 battery-electric demonstrator has completed its first flight, marking a major milestone in the company’s efforts to bring electric propulsion to commercial aviation. The full-scale demonstrator, weighing over 25,000 pounds at takeoff, reached an altitude of 1,100 feet during a 27-minute test flight. The aircraft used approximately $5 worth of electricity, highlighting the potential for cost savings. The X1 is a testbed for Heart Aerospace’s planned ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner, with flight testing scheduled to begin in 2028. This development was first reported by TOI Science Desk.