Partners Showcase the Battery-Electric R-66 Helicopter Demonstrator

Robinson Helicopters has officially entered the electric arena with an early version of the magniX-powered eR-66, which debuted at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. The partnership opens the door to a zero-emissions alternative for the ever-popular turbine R66.

At the center of the aircraft is the HeliStorm: a 330-kilowatt motor that operates at higher speeds of around 6,000-7,000 rpm. magniX pairs the motor with its Samson battery system, creating the full propulsion package for the eR-66.

“This collaboration… will give us a foundation to determine one of the key parameters for a commercial variant that customers can use in all sorts of applications, like training, private use, agriculture, and tourism,” said David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopters. “All those areas have expressed interest in a zero-emissions helicopter.”

Smith also noted that, even in its current state, the design is “very close to commercial-capable today,” though its timeline leans heavily on battery improvements and certification progress. The duo is hoping to get the demonstrator airborne sometime in late 2026 and go from there.

Noise is one of the early selling points since, as is true with most electrified vehicles, the eR-66 operates much more quietly than the turbine model. It also can “offer redundancy in a way that today’s turbines can’t,” Smith added, pointing to the potential for multi-pack battery architectures and fault-tolerant motor control systems. Operating costs are also expected to take a turn for the better, but real-world service data will be needed before anyone can declare a true winner.

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