Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying

History’s Largest Battery-Electric Plane Takes Flight in New York

Heart Aerospace believes its X1 demonstrator sets new milestones for electric aircraft wingspan and takeoff weight.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

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Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator, the largest battery-electric aircraft ever flown, crosses the Champlain Valley near Plattsburgh, New York. [Credit: Heart Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator, the largest battery-electric fixed-wing aircraft by wingspan and takeoff weight, successfully completed its debut flight on all-electric propulsion.
This flight marks the start of a test campaign for the company's planned 30-seat hybrid-electric ES-30 airliner, which targets 2031 certification and promises over 40% reduced operating costs.
The ES-30 is designed for a range of 125 miles on all-electric power or 500 miles in hybrid mode, with major airlines like United expressing commitment to its development despite industry challenges.

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The largest battery-electric, fixed-wing aircraft in history made its debut flight this week, marking the start of a test campaign to validate a planned, 30-seat, hybrid-electric airliner.

Los Angeles-based Heart Aerospace said Thursday that its X1 demonstrator, a precursor to its flagship ES-30, flew out of Plattsburgh International Airport (KPBG)—the company’s flight testing base in upstate New York—on all-electric battery propulsion. Heart said the X1 is the largest aircraft of its kind, by both wingspan and takeoff weight, to achieve first flight.

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.