How is it going to be?

The developers reported that “the first experimental flight of the Heart X1 demonstrator is designed to validate the capabilities of Heart’s innovative electric propulsion technology.” This will be a major milestone for the company, which was founded in 2019 and has since raised $145 million to implement aviation reform plans, Channel 24 reported, citing Heart Aerospace.

Heart introduced the X1 in September and stated that it had the same proportions as the fuel-powered ES-30 and a wingspan of 32 meters.

The test flight will take place from Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York, which the company sees as an ideal choice due to its low air traffic density and support for the development and testing of transportation technologies.

The company has not yet stated whether the X1 will have the same range as the ES-30. However, it is already clear that it will have zero emissions.

Promotional video of the X1 aircraft: video

Designed to take off from 1,100-meter-long runways thanks to its high-torque electric motors and turboprops, the ES-30 commercial aircraft provides a total flight range of nearly 400 kilometers with its hybrid system. With relatively short flight range and limited passenger capacity Heart is not trying to replace big planes. Instead, the focus is on connecting smaller, small-area “pocket airports” in underserved communities. The X1 is expected to follow the same path.

Heart X1 aircraft / Photo: Heart Aerospace

There are several other businesses committed to making zero-emission commercial flights a reality:

• For example, Swiss company ZeroAvia is working on a hydrogen-electric hybrid amphibious aircraft for use in island regions.
• In January, Elysian said its 1960s-inspired aircraft design with a small body and long, low wings would perform well enough to carry 90 passengers in a battery-powered aircraft. But their planes will not take to the skies before 2033.
• We also have many examples of single or two-seat electric air taxis, also known as eVTOL. For example, from Archer Aviation and the Chinese company XPeng.

Heart X1 aircraft / Photo: Heart Aerospace

Heart still has a lot of work to do before the X1’s first flight. The company said the plane “underwent extensive testing on critical systems to ensure a safe and successful flight.”

The company is already planning the next generation Heart X2, which will use the experience of the first demonstrator. In 2026, the “independent hybrid power plant” system will be tested.

Full commercial use is expected to begin in 2028.