magniX, a leader in electric aviation propulsion, has partnered with Robinson Helicopter Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of civil helicopters, to develop a battery-electric demonstrator based on the popular Robinson R66 platform. The first flight of this groundbreaking aircraft is scheduled for late 2026, marking a major step toward zero-emission and affordable vertical lift solutions.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The agreement will see magniX supply its fully integrated electric powertrain for helicopters, featuring the company’s new HeliStorm series of lightweight, high-speed electric engines specifically designed for rotorcraft applications. The aircraft will also incorporate magniX’s Samson batteries, which deliver the highest energy density in aerospace along with industry-leading cycle life, offering a balance of performance and durability that is essential for practical electric flight.

“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.”

The collaboration builds on magniX’s earlier milestones in helicopter electrification. In 2022, the company powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44, followed in March 2025 by the world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter flight, also based on an R44 platform. With the electrification of the R66—a turbine-powered workhorse widely used for utility, corporate, and training missions—the partnership is poised to reshape the vertical takeoff and landing market. The R66 is one of the world’s most successful light turbine helicopters, with more than 1,500 units in service and over 100 new aircraft delivered annually. Its proven single-rotor design and robust support network make it an ideal platform for this pioneering effort.

“magniX’s proven experience in electric propulsion, and their previous work 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, zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.”

According to Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer at magniX, the technology will deliver tangible advantages to operators. “We have demonstrated the clear cost, noise and safety benefits of magniX’s fully-integrated electric powertrains. Our 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.”

The electric R66 demonstrator is expected to bring significant benefits to operators, including dramatically lower operating costs, near-silent flight, and zero greenhouse gas emissions. As the aviation industry pushes toward sustainable solutions, the development of an all-electric light turbine helicopter represents a critical step forward in the evolution of vertical aviation.