Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, a 36-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft that replaces its earlier ES-30 design. US carrier JSX has signed a deposit-backed purchase agreement for 50 aircraft, with rights to buy another 50. The agreement converts a letter of intent signed in 2023.
The ES-36 adds six seats compared with the ES-30 while retaining the earlier design’s maximum take-off weight and battery capacity. Heart has also changed the propulsion layout from four nacelles to two, each with an electric motor driving a propeller.
Heart says the aircraft is designed to fly up to 200 kilometres on battery power alone, plus reserves. For longer flights, two onboard turbine-powered generators would supply electricity to extend its range to 1,200 kilometres, plus reserves. These are design targets, rather than demonstrated performance figures.
JSX intends to use the aircraft to expand services from smaller airports and will work with Heart on the cabin, charging, turnaround procedures and route planning. Heart says the ES-36’s shorter wingspan and planned short-field performance should make it suitable for airports with limited space.
Heart is building its first pre-production ES-36 in Los Angeles. It is targeting a first flight in the second half of 2028 and entry into service in 2031, subject to FAA certification.