Disrupting the disruptors: magniX teams up with Robinson to develop electric helicopter
July 23, 2025
The first flight of the battery-electric R66 demonstrator is scheduled for 2026.
While electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developers battle it out to develop and certify next-generation aircraft, Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) and MagniX are taking a more conventional – but no less revolutionary – approach by electrifying a helicopter as a proven platform.
The two companies have agreed to collaborate on developing a battery electric demonstrator based on the Robinson R66. The popular single turbine rotorcraft is primarily used by private pilots for their own personal flying, but can also be used for aerial work, cargo operations, medical evacuations and training.
The demonstrator’s first flight is slated to take place in late 2026.
A boost for the next-gen vertical lift propulsion systems
Expressing his excitement at the collaboration with Robinson, Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX said the agreement paves the way for “the next generation of vertical lift propulsion systems.
“We have already flown two groundbreaking electric Robinson helicopters and I look forward to deploying our HeliStorm electric engines and Samson batteries under this programme.”
magniX powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44 helicopter in 2022. This was followed by the world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter flight – also a modified R44 – in March 2025.
For 2026, the focus shifts to the popular R66 – of which over 1,500 units are in service and more than 100 new units are sold every year. The rotorcraft’s single rotor simplicity and flight-proven capabilities make it an ideal platform for electrification.
Robinson’s president and CEO, David Smith, underlined that magniX’s proven experience with electric propulsion and the R44 make it the right partner to develop an alternative powerplant solution.
“This agreement allows us to develop market-leading, zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.”
A clear path to certification
Meanwhile, Riona Armesmith, CTO of magniX, added: “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 on a cost-effective, electric helicopter with a clear path to certification.”
magniX is already known for its collaboration with Vancouver-based Harbour Air on its eBeaver programme. This entailed the airline’s airline’s Cessna seaplanes being retrofitted with all-electric propulsion systems.
It has also partnered with Unithur, which flew the first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter (also a Robinson R44) earlier this year. The company has also worked with NASA to hybridise a De Havilland Canada Dash 7, replacing two of its four thermal engines with electric motors.
magniX’s path to transforming battery energy density
Speaking to Aerospace Global News at this year’s Paris Air Show, Armesmith revealed that magniX spent two years evaluating partners and testing battery cells before choosing to develop its own high-energy-density battery solution. In June, the company announced it was progressing toward certification of its Samson battery powered by a 400Wh/kg cell – signalling a major leap in energy storage.
“This breakthrough in energy density is a major step forward,” Armesmith said. “It extends range and payload for small (six to nine seat) electric aircraft. But that is only the beginning. We have an active development programme that is pushing battery technology even further to meet growing demand.”
With the upcoming R66 demonstrator, magniX alongside Robinson is proving that innovation doesn’t have to require a clean-sheet design. Sometimes, modifying a proven platform can be just as revolutionary and more progressive than reinventing the wheel.
