magniX, the company powering the electric aviation revolution, and Robinson Helicopter Company have announced a collaboration to jointly develop a battery electric demonstrator based on the Robinson R66 platform. The first flight of the demonstrator is targeted for late 2026.
As part of the project, magniX will supply its fully integrated electric powertrain for helicopters, featuring the first model from its new line of HeliStorm engines—a lightweight, high-speed propulsion system designed specifically for rotorcraft. The demonstrator will also incorporate Samson batteries, offering the highest energy density in aerospace and unmatched cycle life.
“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.
This initiative builds on magniX’s prior milestones:
– In 2022, it powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44.
– In March 2025, magniX enabled the world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter flight, also using an R44 platform.
Now, the focus shifts to the R66, one of the world’s most widely used helicopters, with over 1,500 units in operation and 100+ new aircraft sold annually. Its single-rotor simplicity and proven operational record make it an ideal candidate to redefine the VTOL market with a zero-emission electric version.
“magniX’s proven experience in electric propulsion, and their history with the R44, make them the right partner for this venture,” said David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “This agreement allows us to develop market-leading, zero-emission solutions suited to a range of critical mission types.”
