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 totally built-in electrical powertrain for helicopters, together with the primary of its vary of light-weight, excessive velocity HeliStorm engines designed for rotorcraft functions. It should 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 steer the transformation of the helicopter trade by creating the subsequent era of vertical carry propulsion methods,” mentioned Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “We’ve got already flown two groundbreaking electrical Robinson helicopters and I stay up for deploying our HeliStorm electrical engines and Samson batteries beneath 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 items in service and greater than 100 new items 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 best companion to collaborate on different powerplant options,” mentioned 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 varieties.”
“We’ve got demonstrated the clear price, noise and security advantages of magniX’s fully-integrated electrical powertrains,” mentioned Riona Armesmith, CTO of magniX. “magniX expertise is nicely suited to assembly the wants of the helicopter market and we’re proud to companion with Robinson as they search to develop cost-effective electrical helicopters with a transparent path to certification.”
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