Heart Aerospace’s revised ES-30, Part 3. UPDATED

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By Bjorn Fehrm

October 24, 2024, © Leeham News: We analyze Heart Aerospace’s latest evolution of the hybrid ES-30. The latest version, presented in spring 2024, is a parallel hybrid, putting gas turbine turboprop engines outside the electric motor engines.

After examining what such a parallel hybrid system means for aircraft dimensions and masses, we now fly the aircraft on a typical US short-haul route through our Aircraft Performance and Cost Model (APCM) to assess its operational performance.

Does the ES-30 make operational sense for an airline that needs a short-haul feeder?

Summary:
  • The parallel hybrid architecture gives the ES-30 certain operational flexibility to fly routes over 100nm, making it possible to replace present 30 seaters on such short routes.
  • However, the operational costs are considerably higher than today's 30-seaters. As always, the problem is the battery costs.
  • UPDATE: Heart Aerospace contacted us after the article was published. The article has been complemented with their information.

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