Flying Magazine
• Jack Daleo
Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, its fourth design iteration, replacing the earlier independent hybrid-electric architecture with a simplified twin-electric-motor configuration and increased payload. JSX has committed to 50 firm aircraft with deposits and 50 options, while Heart targets commercial service entry in 2031.
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Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, its fourth design iteration, replacing the earlier independent hybrid-electric architecture with a simplified twin-electric-motor configuration and increased payload. JSX has committed to 50 firm aircraft with deposits and 50 options, while Heart targets commercial service entry in 2031.
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Electra used taxiways, heliports and a drag strip across Virginia to demonstrate short-haul, point-to-point operations for its EL2 fixed-wing aircraft. The tests at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport were intended to assess potential future airport procedures, while raising questions about passenger comfort aboard the planned nine-seat EL9.
Helicopter operator Bristow has reserved 15 early-delivery Chaparral hybrid-electric cargo drones, tripling its initial reservation commitment. The move provides an early commercial signal for cargo-drone demand and positions Bristow to expand beyond conventional rotorcraft operations as the aircraft becomes available.
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Vertical Aerospace will appoint former Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Fabrice Brégier as chair of its board on September 21, 2026. He succeeds Ben Story, who has served as interim chair since May and will remain a director, bringing senior commercial-aircraft leadership to the air-taxi developer.
Bristow Group has reserved 10 additional early delivery positions for Elroy Air’s Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft, bringing its total reservation to 15. The expanded commitment strengthens Bristow’s planned role in deploying uncrewed electric cargo aircraft for logistics operations as Elroy advances the Chaparral program.
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Joby Aviation says a Cessna Caravan equipped with its autonomy technology completed a 3,199-mile transcontinental flight, including takeoffs and landings, without control inputs from the onboard pilot. The demonstration advances the company’s ambitions for autonomous freight and logistics, while a safety pilot remained part of the operation.
Japan’s SkyDrive has signed an MOU with South Korea’s Verty to assess commercial eVTOL services from 2028, including short-distance sightseeing and inter-city routes. The partnership will address the integrated operating framework required for deployment, spanning flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport infrastructure.
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Electra has chosen U.S. aerospace manufacturer Atlas Group to produce and assemble the first pre-production airframes for its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement advances Electra’s program toward flight testing, certification and eventual commercial production.
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