magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company to develop battery electric R66 helicopter demonstrator

magniX and Robinson Helicopter Company have agreed to jointly develop a battery electric demonstrator based on the Robinson R66 platform. The two companies plan to have the first flight of this demonstrator take place in late 2026. magniX will provide its fully integrated electric powertrain for helicopters, including the first of its range of lightweight, high speed HeliStorm engines designed for rotorcraft applications. It will also share its Samson batteries, with the highest energy density in aerospace and unmatched cycle life. 

Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX commented: “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. 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.” 

David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company stated: "magniX’s proven experience in electric propulsion, and previous experience with the R44 makes them the right partner to collaborate on alternative powerplant solutions. This agreement allows us to develop market-leading, zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.” 

In 2022, magniX powered the first flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44 helicopter followed in March 2025 with the world’s first piloted flight by a hydrogen-electric helicopter, another retrofitted R44. In 2026, the electrification of the R66 – one of the world’s most ubiquitous helicopters with over 1,500 units in service and more than 100 new units sold every year – will revolutionize the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) market with its single rotor simplicity and flight proven capabilities. 

“We have demonstrated the clear cost, noise and safety benefits of magniX’s fully-integrated electric powertrains,” said Riona Armesmith, CTO of magniX. “magniX 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.”