Swedish hybrid-electric aircraft developer Heart Aerospace has selected upstate New York’s Plattsburgh International Airport in the USA as the site for the first flight of its fully its Heart Experimental 1 demonstrator.
Heart has scheduled for the Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1) to make its maiden flight between April and July next year.
According to Heart Aerospace, the Heart X1, which has a 32m (105ft) wingspan will be the largest fully electric aircraft to fly yet if all goes to plan. The first flight will validate the capabilities of its electric propulsion technology, said Heart.
The company plans to build a second full-scale aircraft as a pre-production prototype, the Heart X2 and fly it for the first time in 2026. Heart, which was founded in 2018 plans to certify its production aircraft, the ES-30 in 2029.
The ES-30 will have a capacity of 30 passengers, a fully-electric range of 200km (125 miles) and an extended hybrid range of 400km (250 miles). The aircraft will also have the capability to fly further with less passengers – up to 800km (500 miles) carrying 25 passengers
Heart said that it selected Plattsburgh Airport, Clinton County because the region it is in, the Champlain Valley is “an emerging hub for next-generation transportation”, with expansive airfield infrastructure and low air traffic density.
Heart Aerospace’s co-founder and CEO Anders Forslund said, “We’re thrilled to join Plattsburgh’s thriving aerospace community as we push the boundaries of air travel towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“Electric commercial airplanes have the potential to lower operating costs for US airlines, creating a powerful opportunity to re-establish regional air routes that stimulate local economies, boost tourism, and enhance access to urban hubs. We’re impressed by the leadership shown by New York’s North Country region in the support of next generation airplanes.”
“Heart Aerospace’s decision to conduct its fully electric experimental flight from Plattsburgh International Airport reflects Clinton County’s strong commitment to advancing next-generation transportation technologies,” said Mark Henry, Clinton County legislature chairman. “Clinton County is strengthening its position as a transportation manufacturing cluster, and we are excited to be part of Heart’s journey and the growing sustainable aerospace community in upstate New York.”
The Heart X1 aircraft, which was rolled out in September is currently undergoing critical systems testing at the company’s site in Gothenberg, Sweden before it is taken to Plattsburgh Airport early next year.
