VFS Interview - EAA AirVenture - Robinson & magniX Announce Battery Electric R66 Helicopter

magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company to Develop Battery Electric R66 Helicopter Demonstrator

Vertical Flight Society Senior Editor Ken Swartz interviewed David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company and Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX at EAA AirVenture immediately after the companies announced an agreement to jointly develop a battery electric demonstrator based on the Robinson R66 platform. The two companies plan to have the first flight of this demonstrator take place in late 2026.

magniX will provide its fully integrated electric powertrain for helicopters, including the first of its range of lightweight, high speed HeliStorm engines designed for rotorcraft applications. It will also share its Samson batteries, with the highest energy density in aerospace and unmatched cycle life.

“We are excited to be working with Robinson to lead the transformation of the helicopter industry by creating the next generation of vertical lift propulsion systems,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “We have already flown two groundbreaking electric Robinson helicopters and I look forward to deploying our HeliStorm electric engines and Samson batteries under this program.”

“magniX’s proven experience in electric propulsion, and previous experience with the R44 makes them the right partner to collaborate on alternative powerplant solutions,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “This agreement allows us to develop market-leading, zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.”

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