11-tonne battery-electric aircraft completes 27-minute test flight
The world’s largest battery-electric aircraft has completed a 27-minute test flight, marking a significant milestone for electric aviation.
Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator weighs more than 11 tonnes and flew at an altitude of about 335 metres. The aircraft used only battery-electric propulsion during the test flight and consumed approximately $5 worth of electricity.
The X1 is a technology demonstrator for Heart’s planned 30-seat ES-30 regional aircraft. The eventual aircraft is expected to offer approximately 200 km of all-electric range and up to 800 km using its hybrid-electric configuration.
The development could eventually influence regional aviation, airport infrastructure, aircraft manufacturing and airline operating models.
Source
Gulf News — 17 August 2026
