MagnIX and Robinson to Develop Battery Electric R66 Demonstrator

MagniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, and Robinson Helicopter Company, the foremost manufacturer of civil helicopters, have entered into a partnership to collaboratively develop a battery-electric demonstrator utilising the Robinson R66 platform. The inaugural flight of this demonstrator is scheduled for late 2026.

MagniX is set to supply its fully integrated electric powertrain for helicopters, featuring the inaugural model of its lightweight, high-speed HeliStorm engines specifically designed for rotorcraft applications. Additionally, the company will provide its Samson batteries, renowned for possessing the highest energy density in the aerospace sector and an unparalleled 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. “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.”

In 2022, magniX successfully powered the inaugural flight of a retrofitted electric Robinson R44 helicopter. This achievement was followed in March 2025 by the world’s first piloted flight of a hydrogen-electric helicopter, also a retrofitted R44. In 2026, the electrification of the R66—one of the most widely used helicopters globally, with over 1,500 units in service and more than 100 new units sold annually—will transform the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) market with its straightforward single rotor design and proven flight capabilities.

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

“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.”

MagniX is a technology company specialising in the development of powertrains and batteries for the electrification of transportation. The company's fully electric powertrain provides customers with a comprehensive system for aircraft electrification. MagniX batteries offer a safe and practical solution for both battery-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and are also ideally suited for powering helicopters, eVTOLs, and marine vessels.

For over five decades, Robinson Helicopter Company has led the helicopter industry by providing advanced safety technologies, such as OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is dedicated to the development, production, and support of the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the sector. The next logical step would have to be Zero-emmision helicopters.