Heart Aerospace has enlisted BAE Systems to help it define the battery system for its planned ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner. The Swedish start-up says it is targeting a power density of 330 Wh/kg as part of a propulsion system that will combine four battery-driven electric motors with a pair of as-yet-unspecified turbogenerators.
Heart unveiled its development of the 30-seat model in September 2022 when it announced the ES-30 as an alternative to a previously planned 19-passenger, all-electric ES-19 aircraft. After consulting with prospective customers, including Air Canada, the company opted for a hybrid-electric powertrain to give operators the option of more range while meeting reserve energy requirements. The new model is expected to offer carriers an all-electric range of 200 kilometers (125 miles), with an extended full-payload range of twice that distance and the potential for longer hybrid-powered flights to 800 kilometers (500 miles) with 25 passengers, taking account of standard airline fuel reserves.
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