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 inaugural flight.
This debut initiates a test campaign to validate technology for the company's planned 30-seat, hybrid-electric ES-30 airliner, which aims to significantly reduce operating costs.
The ES-30 is projected to have a 125-mile all-electric range or 500 miles in hybrid mode, attracting significant interest and orders from airlines like United.

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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.