Everett, Wash, Torrance, CA and Oshkosh, Wis., – magniX, the corporate powering the electrical aviation revolution, and Robinson Helicopter Firm (Robinson), the world’s main producer of civil helicopters, have agreed to collectively develop a battery electrical demonstrator primarily based on the Robinson R66 platform. The 2 corporations plan to have the primary flight of this demonstrator happen in late 2026.
magniX will present its absolutely built-in electrical powertrain for helicopters, together with the primary of its vary of light-weight, excessive pace HeliStorm engines designed for rotorcraft purposes. It is going to additionally share its Samson batteries, with the very best power density in aerospace and unmatched cycle life.
“We’re excited to be working with Robinson to guide the transformation of the helicopter business by creating the subsequent technology of vertical raise propulsion programs,” stated Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “We have now already flown two groundbreaking electrical Robinson helicopters and I look ahead to deploying our HeliStorm electrical engines and Samson batteries below this program.”
Bringing the Electrical Helicopter Age to Life
In 2022, magniX powered the primary flight of a retrofitted electrical Robinson R44 helicopter adopted in March 2025 with the world’s first piloted flight by a hydrogen-electric helicopter, one other retrofitted R44. In 2026, the electrification of the R66 – one of many world’s most ubiquitous helicopters with over 1,500 models in service and greater than 100 new models offered yearly – will revolutionize the vertical take-off and touchdown (VTOL) market with its single rotor simplicity and flight confirmed capabilities.
“magniX’s confirmed expertise in electrical propulsion, and former expertise with the R44 makes them the precise associate to collaborate on various powerplant options,” stated David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Firm. “This settlement permits us to develop market-leading, zero-emission options that meet the wants of many important mission sorts.”
“We have now demonstrated the clear price, noise and security advantages of magniX’s fully-integrated electrical powertrains,” stated Riona Armesmith, CTO of magniX. “magniX know-how is properly suited to assembly the wants of the helicopter market and we’re proud to associate with Robinson as they search to develop cost-effective electrical helicopters with a transparent path to certification.”
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