magniX, Robinson partner on R66 demonstrator

The companies expect a first flight in late 2026, and Robinson plans to use the program to gather customer feedback on an electric R66.

“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.”

magniX powered the first flight of a battery-electric Robinson R44 in 2022 and of a hydrogen-electric R44 in March 2025. magniX announced the HeliStorm line of lightweight, high-speed electric motors for rotorcraft in March 2025, and the R66 installation will pair the first of the HeliStorm line with magniX’s Samson batteries.

Macdonald said the 6,000-rpm, 330-kilowatt-hour HeliStorm engine will be paired with magniX’s inverters, power distribution units, and battery modules. The battery modules have a 300-watt-hour-per kilogram energy density, and the R66 can handle up to 10 battery modules, he said. The companies expect the batteries to have a one-to-one ratio of charge time to flight time and the aircraft to be capable of an hour of flight time with reserves.

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