Swedish hybrid-electric aeroplane maker, Heart Aerospace, has opened a new research and development (R&D) hub in the United States. This strategic move comes as the company prepares to enter a new phase of hardware testing in developing its first regional hybrid-electric aeroplane, the ES-30.
The Los Angeles-based R&D hub will focus on advancing Heart's hybrid-electric propulsion system and other key technologies. The company will relocate its full-scale aircraft demonstrator to the US, where it aims to demonstrate proof of concept for its innovative hybrid propulsion system.
To lead the U.S. R&D hub, Heart Aerospace has appointed Benjamin Stabler as Chief Technology Officer. Stabler, who has led hardware and software teams on the Crew Dragon programme at SpaceX and served as co-founder of Parallel Systems, a developer of automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicles, brings a wealth of experience to Heart Aerospace. He will recruit a team for the U.S. R&D hub, which will work closely with the organisation based at the company's headquarters in Gothenburg.
Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, said Los Angeles was the obvious choice for the company's R&D hub, considering its rich history of innovation. “The establishment of our U.S. R&D hub signifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation. We are working on a solution we call independent hybrid propulsion, and we aim to demonstrate electric flight next year.”
“We have an exciting time ahead of us as we enter a new phase of hardware testing, and I'm thrilled that Ben is joining our team. His experience and passion for innovation are just what Heart needs to advance on our mission to decarbonise and democratise air travel,” Forslund added.
Heart Aerospace, originating in the Nordics, has garnered investments worldwide, with North America emerging as its primary market. While the U.S. R&D hub represents a significant milestone, Heart Aerospace remains headquartered in Europe, where it will pursue type certification in 2028.
The ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric aeroplane with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers, promises to deliver unparalleled sustainability and efficiency on short-haul routes. With a fully electric zero-emission range of 200 kilometres and an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometres, the ES-30 offers lower emissions and operating costs.
Heart Aerospace has already secured 250 orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for another 120 aeroplanes. The company also has letters of intent for a further 191 aeroplanes.
