ES-30™: Bringing Electric-Hybrid Technology to the Skies
Summary
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Details
Deep dive
Overview
Heart Aerospace’s flagship project, the ES-30, is an electric-hybrid regional aircraft designed to revolutionize short-haul air travel with sustainable technology. This 30-seat aircraft is a crucial step forward in reducing carbon emissions for regional flights, offering a practical solution for airlines and regions that want to move towards greener aviation options.
Key Features
Electric Propulsion: The ES-30 is primarily powered by batteries, making it a zero-emissions aircraft for shorter flights. Its electric propulsion system is designed to significantly cut down on carbon emissions, noise pollution, and operating costs compared to conventional fossil fuel-powered planes.
Hybrid Capabilities: To extend its operational range, the ES-30 is equipped with a hybrid system that includes a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) generator. This hybrid function allows the aircraft to travel further than a fully electric plane would with current battery technology, giving it a range of approximately 200 kilometers on battery power alone and up to 800 kilometers when using the hybrid system. This flexibility is important for airlines serving longer regional routes.
Passenger Capacity and Design: With a seating capacity of 30 passengers, the ES-30 is designed for regional routes typically serviced by smaller aircraft. The cabin features a comfortable layout and aims to provide an efficient and enjoyable flying experience for both passengers and crew.
Battery Technology: Heart Aerospace has invested heavily in developing cutting-edge battery technology for the ES-30. The aircraft will use advanced lithium-ion batteries, optimized for both energy density and safety. As battery technology continues to evolve, the ES-30 will be able to improve its range and performance.
Sustainability Focus: One of the ES-30’s key selling points is its ability to help airlines meet stringent environmental regulations and carbon reduction targets. By using electricity and hybrid technology, the ES-30 offers a practical path for airlines to reduce their carbon footprints in the near term, while waiting for even greater advancements in battery and electric aviation technology.
Technology
Electric Propulsion System
The ES-30 aircraft is powered by electric motors that use energy stored in lithium-ion batteries. This system allows the aircraft to fly with zero emissions when operating on battery power alone. The electric motors provide high efficiency and are much quieter compared to traditional jet engines, contributing to reduced noise pollution, especially around airports.
Battery Technology
The heart of the ES-30’s electric propulsion system is its lithium-ion battery pack, designed to maximize energy density while ensuring safety and reliability. Although current battery technology limits the range of fully electric aircraft, Heart Aerospace has built the ES-30 in such a way that future advancements in battery technology can be easily integrated. As battery performance improves, the aircraft's fully electric range will increase, making it even more efficient over time
Flexible Design for Passenger and Cargo
The ES-30 is built to accommodate a standard regional airline configuration with 30 seats. It features a three-abreast cabin layout with a flat floor, overhead bins, and a lavatory. In addition to passenger seating, the aircraft is designed to carry significant cargo, with storage available both in the cabin and in a dedicated cargo compartment beneath the floor, making it versatile for different operational needs
Development Timeline
2024: Showcase a proof-of-concept aircraft.
2025: The first fully electric flight of the Heart X1 demonstrator.
2026: Begin flight tests with the Heart X2 pre-production prototype.
2028-2029: Target date for entry into service and type certification
Sources: aerotime.aero, travelandtourworld.com, heartaerospace.com
Market Interest
Heart Aerospace has secured significant interest from airlines worldwide for its ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft. The company has 250 firm orders and options for an additional 120 aircraft. Major airlines placing firm orders include Air Canada, United Airlines, and Mesa Airlines. United and Mesa each have committed to 100 aircraft, with an option for an additional 100.
Air Canada has ordered 30 ES-30 aircraft and invested $5 million in Heart Aerospace. The carrier sees the ES-30 as crucial for achieving its net-zero emissions goals by 2050, particularly for regional routes that will benefit from the aircraft's lower operational costs and zero-emission flight capabilities.
Other airlines expressing interest include Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA), Icelandair, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines, who have updated their letters of intent to reflect the shift to the ES-30. Sounds Air, a New Zealand-based airline, is also onboard, aiming to integrate electric aircraft into its regional fleet. Additionally, Rockton Aviation, a Swedish aircraft lessor, has signed a letter of intent for up to 40 aircraft.
Key Factors Behind the Interest
"ES-30™ value proposition
Climate
Zero CO2 emissions on short routes.
Cost
Substantially lower total operating cost, improving even more as technology evolves.
Connectivity
Short runway length and low noise enable
new route opportunities from smaller airports."Source: heartaerospace.com
Sustainability Goals: Many of these airlines, such as United Airlines, Air Canada, and SAS, have ambitious goals for reducing their carbon emissions and see the ES-30 as a key part of their strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Regional Connectivity: The ES-30 is ideal for regional routes, which many of these airlines operate. Its hybrid-electric capabilities allow for flexibility in range while reducing the environmental impact of regional air travel.
Cost Efficiency: Electric propulsion is expected to reduce fuel costs and maintenance expenses, which is particularly attractive for regional carriers operating on thin profit margins.
Inquiries
The ES-30 is still in development and not yet commercially available, so official pricing has not been announced.
"For information on how the ES-30™ can bring value to your business please contact sales@heartaerospace.com
For all investor inquiries, please send an email to investorrelations@heartaerospace.com
For supply chain-related inquiries, please contact procurement@heartaerospace.com"
Source: heartaerospace.com
