Heart Aerospace expands with new US R&D hub and CTO appointment

Swedish hybrid-electric airplane maker Heart Aerospace has announced a significant milestone with the opening of a new research and development (R&D) hub in the United States. This strategic move marks the beginning of a new phase of hardware testing in the development of its first regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.

The new R&D center, based in Los Angeles, will focus on advancing Heart Aerospace’s hybrid-electric propulsion system and other key technologies. As part of this effort, the company will relocate its full-scale aircraft demonstrator to the US to demonstrate proof of concept for its innovative hybrid propulsion system.

To lead the US R&D hub, Heart Aerospace has appointed Benjamin Stabler as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Stabler brings extensive experience from managing hardware and software teams for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon program and founding Parallel Systems, a company dedicated to automated battery-electric freight rail vehicles. He will recruit a team for the new hub, which will work closely with the organization based at Heart Aerospace’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Focus on innovation and growth in North America

Anders Forslund, Co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace highlighted Los Angeles as the obvious choice for the company’s R&D hub due to its rich history of innovation. “The establishment of our US R&D hub signifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation. We are working on a solution we call independent hybrid propulsion, and we aim to demonstrate electric flight during next year,” Forslund said.

He added, “We have an exciting time ahead of us as we enter a new phase of hardware testing, and I’m thrilled that Ben is joining our team. His experience and passion for innovation are just what Heart needs to advance on our mission to decarbonize and democratize air travel.”

Target date for 2028

Heart Aerospace, founded in the Nordic region, has attracted international investment, with North America identified as a key market for growth. The establishment of the US R&D hub represents a significant milestone, but the company will continue to pursue type certification in Europe, with a target date set for 2028.

The ES-30, a 30-seat regional aircraft, uses hybrid-electric technology to deliver exceptional sustainability and efficiency for short-haul flights. It can fly up to 200 kilometers on a fully electric, zero-emission range, with an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometers, significantly reducing both emissions and operating costs.

Heart Aerospace has already secured 250 confirmed orders for the ES-30, with options for an additional 120 units and letters of intent for 191 more planes. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it at the forefront of the hybrid-electric aviation industry.