Swedish electric aircraft developer Heart Aerospace has picked Honeywell to supply the flight control system for its ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airplane.
Honeywell was selected by Heart Aerospace for the Joint Definition Phase of Heart’s ES-30 airplane, and the goal, once the phase has been completed successfully, is to fully integrate Honeywell’s compact Fly-by-Wire system into development for production.
“We are thrilled to welcome Honeywell to the ES-30 program. With its long track record in flight controls, they are an ideal collaboration partner for Heart Aerospace as we strive to decarbonize air travel before the end of this decade,” said Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace.
Honeywell’s compact Fly-by-Wire system is in an advanced stage of development on several aircraft, and its functions are adaptable to the ES-30 said Honeywell, allowing Heart to bring its airplane to market quickly and cost-effectively.
“Honeywell’s flight controls provide the ideal solution for Heart’s mission to revitalize and electrify the regional transport market,” said Vipul Gupta, president electronic Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace.
Heart, which is based in Gothenburg and was founded in 2018 is developing the ES-30 as a conventional fixed-wing aircraft with four electric motors powered by batteries and a reserve-hybrid system consisting of two turbo generators powered by sustainable aviation fuel.
The ES-30 has a 30-passenger standard seating capacity and is driven by electric motors powered by batteries. It will have a fully electric zero-emissions range of 200km (125 miles), an extended hybrid range of 400km (250 miles) with 30 passengers, and flexibility to fly up to 800km (500 miles) with 25 passengers, all with typical airline reserves.
In March Heart said it was partnering with BAE Systems to develop the batteries for the ES-30.
Heart Aerospace has 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120 planes.
