Heart Aerospace unveils ES-36 hybrid-electric airliner with JSX order

Heart Aerospace has shifted its flagship programme to a new design, the ES-36, which will seat 36 passengers against 30 on the earlier ES-30. The airframer said the larger aircraft offers about 20 percent more capacity for passengers and payload, along with improved economics.

The aircraft moves from four nacelles and propellers to two. Heart said the change cuts drag, makes the hybrid-electric propulsion easier to install, allows a smaller wing and reduces maintenance work. Operating costs are still targeted at 40 percent below those of older regional types, the same goal attached to the ES-30.

The propulsion layout has been revised as well. The ES-30's independent hybrid system, which paired wing-mounted turboprops with two inboard electric motors, gives way to twin series-hybrid powertrains and a turbogenerator. Heart had previously worked on a series-hybrid arrangement with a turbogenerator before switching to the independent hybrid setup in May 2024.

Range figures also rise. The ES-36 is quoted at 745 miles on hybrid-electric power plus reserves, compared with 500 miles for the ES-30. The all-electric range stays at 125 miles.

JSX has turned its 2023 letter of intent for the ES-30 into a deposit-backed deal for 50 ES-36s, with purchase rights covering another 50. The two companies said the arrangement will support a next-generation regional fleet aimed at expanding JSX nonstop service at community airports. Ben Stabler, Heart's chief technology officer, said the design draws directly on lessons from building, testing and flying the company's X1 demonstrator, and that it will offer more capability and productivity to operators than the ES-30.