Jakarta, ThedailyID — The world’s largest battery-electric aircraft has successfully completed its first test flight, staying airborne for 27 minutes at an electricity cost of only about US$5.
The aircraft was developed by US aviation technology company Heart Aerospace. Its prototype, known as the X1, has a wingspan of 32.3 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of more than 11.3 tons.
The test flight took place on August 12 at Heart Aerospace’s X1 Flight Test Center at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York.
During the flight, the X1 reached an altitude of 335 meters above sea level. The test included ground taxiing, takeoff, climbing, airborne maneuvers and landing.
Heart Aerospace said the aircraft consumed about US$5 worth of electricity during the 27-minute flight. That is cheaper than the average US$5.40 price of a takeaway coffee in the United Kingdom.
The test comes as global aviation fuel prices remain elevated. Average jet fuel prices reached about US$3.50 per gallon in the first week of August, up 63% from the same period last year.
Heart Aerospace said electric propulsion could significantly reduce airline operating costs while reducing exposure to fluctuations in oil prices.
“Through the X1’s first flight, Heart Aerospace has demonstrated the viability of electric flight at commercial aircraft scale,” CEO and founder Anders Forslund said, according to the Daily Mail, Friday (21/08).
The X1 serves as the development platform for Heart Aerospace’s planned ES-30, a 30-seat regional aircraft expected to enter commercial service in 2031.
The company estimates that the ES-30 could reduce operating costs by more than 40% compared with conventional regional aircraft powered by fossil fuels.
The project has also attracted investment commitments from major airlines, including United Airlines and Air Canada.
Heart Aerospace is currently assembling its first pre-production ES-30 at its pilot facility in Los Angeles. Further flight testing is scheduled for 2028.
