HANGAR TALK
magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company to Develop Electric Battery R66 Helicopter Demonstrator
magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) have agreed to jointly develop an electric battery 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.”
Bringing the Electric Helicopter Age to Life
In 2022, magniX powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44 helicopter, followed in March 2025 with the world’s first piloted flight by a hydrogen-electric helicopter, another retrofitted R44. In 2026, the electrification of the R66 – one of the world’s most ubiquitous helicopters with over 1,500 units in service and more than 100 new units sold every year – will revolutionize the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) market with its single rotor simplicity and flight proven capabilities.
“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,
ROBINSON R66
Next-Generation Sun & Heat Protection for Rotorcraft Pilots
Eliminates Glare and Blocks 99.9% Harmful UV
Maximizes Comfort Without Reducing Visibility
Trusted by 6,000+ Pilots MD500E
zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.”
“We have demonstrated the clear cost, noise and safety benefits of magniX’s fully-integrated electric powertrains,” said Riona Armesmith, CTO of magniX. “magniX technology is well suited to meeting the needs of the helicopter market, and we’re proud to partner with Robinson as they seek to develop cost- effective electric helicopters with a clear path to certification.”
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