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Heart Aerospace Completes X1 Maiden Flight Powered by Megawatt

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Heart Aerospace completed the X1 demonstrator’s maiden flight on August 12, the largest battery-electric aircraft yet.
The 25,000-pound, 106-foot X1 climbed to 1,100 feet, flew 27 minutes, and used a megawatt of power for $5.
The flight operated under an FAA experimental certificate covering taxiing, takeoff, climb and landing.
Heart aims to certify a 30-seat ES-30 by 2031, with United Airlines, Air Canada and JSX pledging purchases that could cut costs 40%.

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Story summary

Heart Aerospace completed the X1 demonstrator’s maiden flight on August 12, the largest battery-electric aircraft yet.
The 25,000-pound, 106-foot X1 climbed to 1,100 feet, flew 27 minutes, and used a megawatt of power for $5.
The flight operated under an FAA experimental certificate covering taxiing, takeoff, climb and landing.
Heart aims to certify a 30-seat ES-30 by 2031, with United Airlines, Air Canada and JSX pledging purchases that could cut costs 40%.