<p>Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.</p>
<p>Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.</p>


Managing Editor

<p><span><span><span>Heart Aerospace has enlisted BAE Systems to help it define the battery system for its planned ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner. The Swedish start-up says it is targeting a power density of 330 Wh/kg as part of a propulsion system that will combine four battery-driven electric motors with a pair of as-yet-unspecified turbogenerators.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Heart unveiled its development of&nbsp;the 30-seat model<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-15/heart-unveils-plans-30-seat-electric-regional-airliner-new-backers">&nbsp;in September 2022</a>&nbsp;when it announced the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/heart-electric-airliner">ES-30</a> as an alternative to a previously planned&nbsp;19-passenger, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-09-23/heart-aerospace-advances-plans-es-19-electric-regional-airliner">all-electric ES-19 aircraft</a>. After consulting with prospective customers, including Air Canada, the company opted for a hybrid-electric powertrain to give operators the option of more range while meeting reserve energy requirements. The new model is expected to offer carriers an all-electric range of 200 kilometers&nbsp;(125 miles), with an extended full-payload range of twice that distance and the potential for longer hybrid-powered flights to 800 kilometers (500 miles) with 25 passengers, taking account of standard airline fuel reserves.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>BAE Systems is joining other ES-30 program partners, including Swedish aerospace group Saab, avionics supplier Garmin, and aerostructures specialist Aernnova. Its contribution will be made by the UK-based group’s Controls and Avionics Solutions operation in upstate New York, which has more than 25 years of experience electrifying large, heavy-duty industrial vehicles with over 15,000 power and propulsion systems in service worldwide.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Early design drawings for the ES-30 show a large compartment in the lower fuselage that will be used to carry the batteries. Another difference from the earlier ES-19 design is the new spars connecting the wing to the fuselage.</span></span></span></p>
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center">
<article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-default">
  
        <div class="layout layout--onecol">
    <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
      <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-media-image">
  
    
      
            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/bae_heart_battery-pack_2.png" width="5760" height="3240" alt="Heart Aerospace and BAE Systems are jointly developing battery packs for the ES-30 aircraft." title="Heart Aerospace and BAE Systems are jointly developing battery packs for the ES-30 aircraft.">

</div>
      
  </div>
<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-caption">
  
    
      
            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Heart Aerospace and BAE Systems are jointly developing battery packs for the ES-30 aircraft.</div>
      
  </div>

    </div>
  </div>

  </article>

<figcaption>Heart Aerospace and BAE Systems are jointly developing battery packs for the ES-30 aircraft.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><span><span><span>“BAE Systems’ extensive experience in developing batteries for heavy-duty ground applications, and their experience in developing safety critical control systems for aerospace make them an ideal partner for this important next step for the ES-30 and for the aviation industry,” said Heart’s chief operating officer, Sofia Graflund. “We look forward to decarbonizing air travel together.”</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>To date, Heart says, it holds provisional sales agreements&nbsp;for 230 of the ES-30, with 100 options and letters of intent for an additional 108 units. Among the prospective operators for the aircraft the company intends to start delivering in 2028 are Air Canada and United Airlines. Letters of intent have been signed by Swedish leasing group Rockton and Portuguese <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-10-14/heart-collects-commitment-six-es-30-electric-airplanes-portugals-sevenair">regional carrier Sevenair</a>.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Heart is building extensive facilities for advancing electric aviation technology at Gothenburg’s Säve Airport. The new Northern Runway campus will accommodate the company’s offices, production, and flight test facilities and&nbsp;provide space for partner companies in new sustainable buildings. The facility is part of a larger Gateway Säve development owned by the Castellum group.</span></span></span></p>


Charles Alcock

Batteries for Heart Aerospace's 30-seat ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner will be installed in a compartment below the fuselage. (Image: Heart Aerospace)

BAE To Develop Battery System for Heart's ES-30 Hybrid-electric Regional Airliner

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

In this article

Heart Aerospace

BAE Systems

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN