Elon Musk Praises Heart Aerospace’s Electric Aircraft Flight and Calls for Autonomy
Heart Aerospace successfully conducted its first flight of the X1 battery-electric demonstrator on August 12 from Plattsburgh International Airport. The aircraft flew for 27 minutes using approximately $5 worth of electricity, marking a milestone as the largest battery-electric aircraft ever flown. Elon Musk praised the achievement and emphasized that making such electric aircraft autonomous is an important next step. Heart Aerospace aims to develop its ES-30 hybrid-electric regional aircraft based on X1's success. The company plans for 200 km of all-electric range, up to 800 km in hybrid mode, with a target certification date set for 2031. Heart has already secured significant backing, including $107 million from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and an order for 30 ES-30 aircraft by Air Canada along with a $5 million investment. Musk's endorsement aligns with his vision of autonomous electric transport, though this goes beyond the current roadmap for Heart Aerospace. The company currently envisions crewed operation for its regional aircraft. Certification remains a key challenge in bringing such technology to market.
Topics: Autonomous flight Electric aircraft Elon Musk Heart Aerospace