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.
BAE Systems is joining other ES-30 program partners, including Swedish aerospace group Saab, avionics supplier Garmin, and aerostructures specialist Aernnova. Its contribution will be made by the UK-based group’s Controls and Avionics Solutions operation in upstate New York, which has more than 25 years of experience electrifying large, heavy-duty industrial vehicles with over 15,000 power and propulsion systems in service worldwide.
Early design drawings for the ES-30 show a large compartment in the lower fuselage that will be used to carry the batteries. Another difference from the earlier ES-19 design is the new spars connecting the wing to the fuselage.
“BAE Systems’ extensive experience in developing batteries for heavy-duty ground applications, and their experience in developing safety critical control systems for aerospace make them an ideal partner for this important next step for the ES-30 and for the aviation industry,” said Heart’s chief operating officer, Sofia Graflund. “We look forward to decarbonizing air travel together.”
To date, Heart says, it holds provisional sales agreements for 230 of the ES-30, with 100 options and letters of intent for an additional 108 units. Among the prospective operators for the aircraft the company intends to start delivering in 2028 are Air Canada and United Airlines. Letters of intent have been signed by Swedish leasing group Rockton and Portuguese regional carrier Sevenair.
Heart is building extensive facilities for advancing electric aviation technology at Gothenburg’s Säve Airport. The new Northern Runway campus will accommodate the company’s offices, production, and flight test facilities and provide space for partner companies in new sustainable buildings. The facility is part of a larger Gateway Säve development owned by the Castellum group.
